What is formed when an acid and a base react together?

When an acid and a base react together, they undergo a chemical reaction known as neutralization, which primarily produces a salt and water. In this reaction, the acid donates a proton (H⁺) to the base, which typically contains hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The combination of H⁺ ions and OH⁻ ions forms water (H₂O), while the remaining ions from the acid and base combine to form a salt, which is an ionic compound.

This is a fundamental principle in chemistry, highlighting the relationship between acids and bases. Acids are substances that increase the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution, while bases increase the concentration of hydroxide ions. The resulting salt has distinct properties depending on the specific acid and base involved in the reaction.

The other options do not represent the primary products of an acid-base reaction. Hydrogen gas can be produced in reactions involving metals and acids, carbon dioxide may be released in reactions between carbonates and acids, and ozone is not related to the reaction between acids and bases at all. Thus, the formation of salt and water is the defining outcome of an acid-base reaction, underscoring its importance in various chemical processes.