Here's why:

* Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.

* Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.

* Neutralization is the reaction between an acid and a base, where the hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions combine to form water (H2O). This reaction also produces salt, which is a neutral compound.

Example:

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an acid, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a base. When they react, they neutralize each other:

HCl (acid) + NaOH (base) → NaCl (salt) + H2O (water)