Science Common Sense

154 - How do acids and bases react?

Imagine you have two opposite teams: Acids and Bases. When they meet, they react to create something new.

Acids (like lemon juice or vinegar) have extra H+ particles. Bases (like soap or baking soda) have extra OH- particles. When they mix, the H+ and OH- particles find each other and combine to make water (H2O) and a new substance called a salt.

That's why, when you mix an acid and a base, they neutralize each other, making the mixture less acidic or less basic. This reaction is called neutralization.