What is the process called when an acid reacts with a base to produce pure water?

The process in which an acid reacts with a base to produce pure water is called neutralization. In this chemical reaction, the hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid combine with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base to form water (H₂O). Additionally, this reaction typically produces a salt as a byproduct. The concept of neutralization is fundamental in chemistry and is often used to demonstrate the balance of acids and bases in solution.

The other terms provided in the choices represent different chemical processes: oxidation refers to the loss of electrons during a reaction; precipitation involves the formation of a solid from a solution; and combustion describes the process of burning, where a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light. These processes do not involve the specific interaction between an acid and a base to create water, which highlights why neutralization is the correct term for this specific reaction.