What is the product of the neutralization of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide?

The product of the neutralization of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide is sodium chloride and water. In a neutralization reaction, an acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water. Here, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base. When they react, the hydrogen ions from the hydrochloric acid combine with the hydroxide ions from the sodium hydroxide to form water (H2O). Meanwhile, the remaining sodium ions (Na+) from the sodium hydroxide combine with the chloride ions (Cl-) from the hydrochloric acid to produce sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt. This overall reaction can be summarized by the balanced equation:

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l).

This clear relationship between the acid, base, and their resultant products demonstrates the fundamental aspects of a neutralization reaction, making the formation of sodium chloride and water the correct answer.