aqueous acid-base reactions

Aqueous acid-base reactions involve substances dissolved in water that either donate or accept hydrogen ions (H⁺). Acids release H⁺ ions, increasing their concentration in solution, while bases accept these ions or release hydroxide ions (OH⁻). When an acid and base mix, they react to form water and a salt—a process called neutralization. This exchange of ions affects the solution's pH, measuring its acidity or alkalinity. These reactions are fundamental in many natural processes, industrial applications, and biological systems, maintaining balance and enabling chemical changes in aqueous environments.