What is the general outcome of an acid and base reaction?

In an acid-base reaction, the primary products formed are salt and water. This reaction is a type of neutralization, where an acid donates a proton (H⁺) to a base, which accepts the proton. The acid and base react to form water (H₂O) and an ionic compound known as a salt.

For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the products are sodium chloride (NaCl), which is the salt, and water. The formation of water is a crucial part of the reaction, as the hydrogen ions from the acid combine with hydroxide ions from the base to create water.

Other options, such as the formation of only water or only salt, do not fully represent the typical outcome of an acid-base reaction. While water is indeed a product, it is generally accompanied by the formation of salt, making the correct answer comprehensive in capturing the essence of these reactions. Similarly, scenarios where only salt or gas is produced are specific instances and not the general situation seen in typical acid-base reactions.