Final answer:
The assertion that an acid-base reaction always yields a salt plus carbon dioxide is false. Generally, such reactions produce a salt and water. Carbon dioxide is typically produced in reactions between acids and carbonates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an acid-base reaction always produces a salt plus carbon dioxide is false. Acid-base reactions generally produce a salt and water through a process known as neutralization. For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the products are sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H₂O). However, there are specific types of reactions, such as the reaction between an acid and a carbonate, which do produce carbon dioxide. An instance is when sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), resulting in sodium chloride (NaCl), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O).
In general, acids and bases react to form water and an ionic compound called a salt. And yes, in certain cases, as with carbonates reacting with acids, carbon dioxide can also be a product. Additionally, reactions among biological systems can produce carbon dioxide as they strive for homeostasis, but not through direct acid-base neutralization.