What is formed in a neutralization reaction involving a strong acid and strong base?

In a neutralization reaction between a strong acid and a strong base, the primary products formed are salt and water. When an acid donates protons (H⁺ ions) and a base donates hydroxide ions (OH⁻), they combine to form water (H₂O). The remaining ions from the acid and the base react to form a salt. This is a fundamental characteristic of neutralization processes, which typically follow the general equation:

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

For example, if hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the products will be sodium chloride (NaCl), which is the salt, and water. Consequently, the presence of both water and a salt as products is what makes this choice the correct answer.

Other options miss this essential combination. The only water option does not account for the salt that is also formed in the reaction. Similarly, stating only salt ignores the accompanying formation of water. The option proposing gas and salt does not apply to most strong acid-strong base reactions, as these typically do not produce gas in neutralization.