Neutralization is a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base react to form water and a salt. This process occurs because hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid combine with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base to form H₂O (water).
General form of the reaction:
Acid + Base → Salt + Water
For example:
HCl (acid) + NaOH (base) → NaCl (salt) + H₂O (water)
Key characteristics of neutralization:
- It typically results in a solution with a pH close to 7 (neutral), depending on the strength and amounts of the acid and base.
- It is an exothermic reaction, meaning it usually releases heat.
Neutralization is important in:
- Digestive health (e.g., antacids neutralizing stomach acid),
- Water treatment (adjusting pH),
- Soil conditioning (neutralizing acidity),
- Chemical manufacturing (producing salts).
It’s a fundamental concept in both chemistry and everyday life.