Acids, Bases and Neutralisation

Acids have a pH below 7, and produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water. Bases have a pH above 7; a base that dissolves in water is called an alkali.

The pH scale runs from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly alkaline), with 7 being neutral. It's measured using universal indicator or a pH probe.

When an acid and a base react, they neutralise each other, producing a salt and water. Acid + base → salt + water is the general word equation.

What products form when hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide (a base)?