What is produced when a base reacts with an acid?

When a base reacts with an acid, the primary products formed are salt and water. This reaction is known as neutralization. During this process, the acid donates protons (H⁺ ions) to the base, which typically contains hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The hydroxide ions react with the hydrogen ions to form water. Simultaneously, the remaining components of the acid and the base combine to form a salt, which is an ionic compound.

This fundamental concept in chemistry illustrates how acids and bases interact to create neutral solutions. The classical representation of this is the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which produces sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt, and water.

Other options reflect different types of chemical reactions but do not pertain to the typical acid-base reaction described. For example, carbon dioxide and water would indicate a different reaction, often involving carbonates and acids, while hydrogen and chlorine gases are produced in reactions involving metals or halogens and would not occur in a straightforward acid-base interaction.