What is created when an acid and a base mix?

Prepare for the Comprehensive Biology and Human Body Systems Test. Enhance your learning with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When an acid and a base mix, the primary products formed are salt and water, making this answer correct. This reaction is known as a neutralization reaction, where the acid donates protons (H⁺ ions), and the base donates hydroxide ions (OH⁻). When these ions combine, they form water (H₂O). The remaining ions from the acid and base then combine to produce a salt, which is an ionic compound.

In this context, the concepts of acids and bases are foundational in chemistry. Acids typically release hydrogen ions in solution, while bases release hydroxide ions. Their interaction leads to a balanced chemical reaction that culminates in the formation of these two products.

Other options do not accurately reflect the results of an acid-base reaction. Salt and sugar, for example, aren't produced through a neutralization; rather, they are distinct compounds. Water and hydrogen gas would not form because hydrogen gas doesn’t typically result from this type of interaction. Similarly, hydrogen and carbon dioxide aren't products of acid-base reactions; they do not represent the chemical processes involved in neutralizing acids and bases.

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