What is a neutralization reaction? Explain with an example. Write the chemical equation of this reaction that takes place?

A neutralization reaction is a chemical reaction between an acid and a base that results in the formation of water and a salt. This type of reaction is called "neutralization" because it neutralizes the acidic and basic properties of the reactants, leading to the production of a neutral or near-neutral solution.

The general chemical equation for a neutralization reaction between an acid (HA) and a base (BOH) is:

HA + BOH → H2O + BA

In this equation, the acid (HA) donates a hydrogen ion (H+) and the base (BOH) donates a hydroxide ion (OH-) to form water (H2O). The remaining ions (B+ and A-) combine to form a salt (BA).

Here's an example of a neutralization reaction using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

HCl + NaOH → H2O + NaCl

In this reaction, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an acidic solution, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a basic solution. When they react together, they neutralize each other to form water (H2O) and sodium chloride (NaCl), which is table salt. The resulting solution is neutral because it has a pH of 7, indicating a balance between acidity and basicity.