What type of reaction is characterized by the formation of water and a salt?

The type of reaction characterized by the formation of water and a salt is known as a neutralization reaction. In a neutralization process, an acid reacts with a base to produce water and an ionic compound, commonly referred to as salt.

In this reaction, the acid donates protons (H⁺ ions) and the base donates hydroxide ions (OH⁻). When these ions combine, they form water (H₂O), and the remaining ions from the acid and base form the salt. This process is common in many chemical reactions involving acids and bases, and it is essential in various applications, from biological systems to industrial processes.

The key here is that neutralization specifically denotes the interaction between acids and bases, leading to the production of water and salt, distinguishing it from other types of reactions like decomposition, combination, or oxidation-reduction, which do not inherently involve this specific product formation.