Which term describes a substance that can neutralize acids?

Which term describes a substance that can neutralize acids?

• A. Acid
• B. Base
• C. Salt
• D. Indicator

Answer: (B)

A substance that can neutralize acids is a base. The idea here is acid–base neutralization: acids donate hydrogen ions (H+), and bases counter them by accepting those H+ or by providing hydroxide ions (OH−) that combine with H+ to form water. When an acid reacts with a base, they produce water and a salt, reducing the acidity of the solution. That’s why this term describes a substance that can neutralize acids. The other options don’t fit this role: an acid donates H+ and would contribute to acidity rather than neutralize it; a salt is the product of an acid–base reaction, not the neutralizing agent; an indicator signals the pH level by changing color, but doesn’t neutralize acids.

A substance that can neutralize acids is a base. The idea here is acid–base neutralization: acids donate hydrogen ions (H+), and bases counter them by accepting those H+ or by providing hydroxide ions (OH−) that combine with H+ to form water. When an acid reacts with a base, they produce water and a salt, reducing the acidity of the solution. That’s why this term describes a substance that can neutralize acids.

The other options don’t fit this role: an acid donates H+ and would contribute to acidity rather than neutralize it; a salt is the product of an acid–base reaction, not the neutralizing agent; an indicator signals the pH level by changing color, but doesn’t neutralize acids.