When an acid reacts with a base, we call this an acid-base reaction. It’s also known as a neutralization reaction because the acid and base neutralize each other’s properties. Acids are substances that can donate a proton (H⁺ ion), and bases are substances that can accept a proton.
The general concept is fairly simple:
- Acids usually taste sour and can be found in items like lemon juice.
- Bases, on the other hand, often taste bitter and can feel slippery, like soap.
When these two types of chemicals meet, they neutralize each other. The acid loses its acidic properties, and the base loses its basic properties. This type of reaction is very common in both laboratory settings and in everyday life.