A salt is a neutral compound that results from the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base. It is composed of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by electrostatic forces. Salts play a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes, such as maintaining the pH balance in solutions and facilitating the conduction of electricity. Common examples of salts include table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3), and Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate, MgSO4).