alleryStart learning →Which equation best represents the essential ionic change in a neutralization reaction?
A$\mathrm{Na^+ + Cl^- \rightarrow NaCl}$
B$\mathrm{H^+ + OH^- \rightarrow H_2O}$
C$\mathrm{Ag^+ + Cl^- \rightarrow AgCl}$
D$\mathrm{Mg + O \rightarrow MgO}$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. $\mathrm{H^+ + OH^- \rightarrow H_2O}$
Neutralization is fundamentally the reaction between hydrogen ions from an acid and hydroxide ions from a base to form water: $\mathrm{H^+ + OH^- \rightarrow H_2O}$.
The other options describe salt formation, precipitation, or oxidation.