What is the main product formed when an acid reacts with a metal hydroxide?a) Saltb) Waterc) Oxygen gasd) Carbon dioxide

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the reactants involved in the reaction: an acid and a metal hydroxide.
2. Determine the expected products of an acid-base neutralization reaction.

Relevant Concepts

1. An acid reacts with a base (metal hydroxide) in a neutralization reaction.
2. General reaction formula: $\text{Acid} + \text{Base} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water}$
3. Key components involved in the reaction:
   • Acid contributes hydrogen ions (H⁺).
   • Metal hydroxide provides hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

Analysis and Detail

1. When an acid (e.g., HCl) reacts with a metal hydroxide (e.g., NaOH), the H⁺ ions from the acid combine with the OH⁻ ions from the hydroxide: $H^+ + OH^- \rightarrow H_2O$ This results in the formation of water ($H_2O$).
2. Additionally, the remaining ions (from the acid and metal hydroxide) form a salt. For example: $HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O$

Verify and Summarize

• The main products of an acid-base reaction are water and salt. However, the question asks for the "main product" formed.
• In the context of a typical neutralization reaction, the key product resulting from the neutralization is water, along with the salt.

Final Answer

The main product formed when an acid reacts with a metal hydroxide is b) Water.