Final answer:
In an acid-base reaction, an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt in what is known as a neutralization reaction, following the pattern of a double replacement reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Predicting the Products of Acid-Base Reactions
When an acid reacts with a base, a neutralization reaction typically occurs, resulting in the formation of water and a salt. This type of reaction is a double replacement reaction, where the cations and anions exchange partners. For instance, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with potassium hydroxide (KOH), the products are water (H2O) and potassium chloride (KCl), which is a salt.
In general, the reaction between an Arrhenius acid, which donates protons (H+), and an Arrhenius base, which accepts protons, can be represented as:
Acid (HX) + Base (MOH) → Salt (MX) + Water (H2O)
Where HX represents an acid and MOH represents a base. The respective salts formed depend on the specific acid and base in the reaction. It is also important to note that the strength of the acid or base affects the reaction, with stronger acids and bases typically undergoing a reaction that goes to completion, while weaker acids and bases establish an equilibrium.