The reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a neutralization reaction.

Here's why:

* Acids like HCl donate hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.

* Bases like NaOH donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.

* When an acid and base react, they neutralize each other, forming salt and water.

The specific reaction is:

HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaCl (aq) + H₂O (l)

* HCl is hydrochloric acid

* NaOH is sodium hydroxide

* NaCl is sodium chloride (the salt)

* H₂O is water