Final answer:
A neutralization reaction involves an acid and a base reacting to form salt and water, typically represented by the equation: acid + base → salt + water.
Step-by-step explanation:
A neutralization reaction is a type of chemical reaction where an acid and a base react to form a salt and water. It's an important concept in Chemistry where the acid's hydrogen ions H+ react with the base's hydroxide ions OH- to produce water (H2O). The remaining ions from the acid and base form the salt, typically an ionic compound that is neither an acid nor a base.
The general equation for a neutralization reaction can be summarized as: acid + base → salt + water. For example, if hydrochloric acid (HCl) is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the products are sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O).
In a net ionic equation, only the particles that participate in the reaction are included. Spectator ions, which do not undergo a change, are not included in these equations, simplifying the representation of the chemical reaction.