Which of the following is produced when acid reacts with a base?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB Technician Grade III Official Paper (Held On: 30 Dec, 2024 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Salt and water.

Key Points

A reaction between an acid and a base is known as a neutralization reaction.
In a neutralization reaction, salt and water are formed as products.
This type of reaction typically involves the combination of hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid and hydroxide ions (OH^-) from the base to form water (H₂O).
The general equation for a neutralization reaction is: Acid + Base → Salt + Water.
Examples include the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H₂O).

Additional Information

Acids
- Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water.
- Common examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and acetic acid (CH₃COOH).
Bases
- Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH^-) when dissolved in water.
- Common examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂).
Salts
- Salts are ionic compounds composed of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.
- They are formed as a result of the neutralization reaction between acids and bases.
Importance of Neutralization
- Neutralization reactions are used in various applications such as antacid formulations, wastewater treatment, and soil pH adjustment.
- They help in reducing acidity or alkalinity to maintain a balanced pH level in different environments.