Which substances are always produced in an acid-base neutralization reaction?

• A. Oxygen gas and a salt
• B. Carbon dioxide and water
• C. Water and a salt
• D. Hydrogen gas and a salt

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of acid-base neutralization: An acid-base neutralization reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt.
2. Identify the general formula for an acid-base neutralization reaction: The reaction can be represented as \( \text{HA} + \text{BOH} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{BA} \), where \( \text{HA} \) is the acid, \( \text{BOH} \) is the base, \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) is water, and \( \text{BA} \) is the salt.
3. Recognize the role of water: Water is always produced in an acid-base neutralization reaction as a result of the combination of hydrogen ions \( \text{H}^+ \) from the acid and hydroxide ions \( \text{OH}^- \) from the base.
4. Identify the formation of a salt: The salt is formed from the remaining ions of the acid and base after the formation of water. The cation from the base combines with the anion from the acid.
5. Conclude that the substances always produced in an acid-base neutralization reaction are water and a salt, based on the chemical equation and the roles of the reactants.