The reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions is called

The reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions is called

• A. Oxidation
• B. Reduction
• C. Hydrolysis
• D. Neutralization

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is proton transfer in an acid–base reaction. When hydrogen ions (H+) from an acid meet hydroxide ions (OH−) from a base, they combine to form water: H+ + OH− → H2O. This pairing is the defining step of a neutralization reaction, which often leaves behind the ions from the salt formed by the acid and base. In aqueous solutions, this process moves the solution toward neutral pH, which is why it’s called neutralization. Oxidation and reduction involve electron transfer, not proton transfer. Hydrolysis is a reaction with water that breaks or forms other bonds, not specifically the H+ and OH− pairing to make water.

The main idea here is proton transfer in an acid–base reaction. When hydrogen ions (H+) from an acid meet hydroxide ions (OH−) from a base, they combine to form water: H+ + OH− → H2O. This pairing is the defining step of a neutralization reaction, which often leaves behind the ions from the salt formed by the acid and base. In aqueous solutions, this process moves the solution toward neutral pH, which is why it’s called neutralization.

Oxidation and reduction involve electron transfer, not proton transfer. Hydrolysis is a reaction with water that breaks or forms other bonds, not specifically the H+ and OH− pairing to make water.