Neutralization
Definition
An acid and a base reacting to cancel each other out, making water and a salt.
Technical definition
Neutralization is the reaction of an acid with a base to form water and a salt, with the net ionic equation H+ + OH- -> H2O. Complete neutralization of a strong acid by a strong base yields a neutral (pH 7) salt solution.
Example
HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O: the archetypal neutralization, used in titrations and antacid tablets alike.
Common confusion
Neutralization does not always give pH 7. Neutralizing a weak acid with a strong base leaves the conjugate base, which makes the solution basic, and vice versa.