What is the general reaction between a metal oxide and an acid?

The general reaction between a metal oxide and an acid typically produces a salt and water. This reaction is indicative of acid-base chemistry, where the metal oxide, acting as a base, reacts with the acid to form a neutralization product. The salt formed will be a compound made from the cation of the metal oxide and the anion from the acid, while water results from the combination of hydrogen ions from the acid and hydroxide ions generated by the metal oxide's basic properties.

In many cases, the type of metal oxide does not restrict the formation of the salt and water, as virtually all metal oxides will react with acids in this way, demonstrating the principles of acid-base reactions.