What type of reaction typically occurs when an acid reacts with a base?

When an acid reacts with a base, the reaction that occurs is known as a neutralization reaction. In this process, the acid donates hydrogen ions (H⁺) while the base donates hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The combination of these ions results in the formation of water (H₂O) and a salt, which is a typical product of neutralization. This is fundamentally how acids and bases interact, effectively neutralizing each other to form a product that is less acidic or basic than the reactants.

Neutralization reactions are considered crucial in many fields, including biology and chemistry, because they are involved in processes like maintaining pH levels in biological systems, treating acid spills, and in various industrial applications. This reaction is distinct from other types of reactions such as single replacement, where one element replaces another in a compound, combustion reactions involving substances reacting with oxygen to produce energy, or redox reactions that involve the transfer of electrons. In contrast, neutralization is characterized specifically by the exchange of protons between the acid and base.