Neutralization Reactions

Summary: Reactions between acids and bases that produce salt and water. Tags: concepts chemistry Created: 2026-05-03T00:00:00Z Last Updated: 2026-05-03T00:00:00Z


Content

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a base (or alkali) to produce a salt and water. The H+ ions from the acid combine with OH- ions from the base to form H2O, neutralizing both.

General equation: acid + base → salt + water

Example:

  • Hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide → sodium chloride + water (HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O)

Neutralization is an exothermic reaction and is used in antacid tablets to relieve indigestion.