Neutralization

Neutralization is a chemical reaction where an acid and a base combine to form water and a salt, effectively canceling each other's effects. For example, when an acidic substance like vinegar reacts with a basic substance like baking soda, they produce water, salt, and sometimes carbon dioxide gas. This process balances out the acidity and alkalinity, often used to reduce the harmful effects of acids or bases in various applications, such as treating indigestion or cleaning substances. It’s a key concept in chemistry that demonstrates how opposing properties can interact and neutralize each other.