This reaction is called a neutralization reaction, and it typically involves the following steps:

1. The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base.

2. The base accepts the proton.

3. The resulting products are a salt and water.

Example:

* Acid: Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

* Base: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

* Salt: Sodium chloride (NaCl)

* Water: H₂O

Reaction: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

Note: This is a general rule, and there are other ways to form salts. For example, salts can also be formed by the reaction of a metal with an acid.