Neutralization is a chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base combine to form water and a salt. This process helps to balance the pH levels, making the solution less acidic or basic. For example, when hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, they neutralize each other, resulting in sodium chloride (table salt) and water. In everyday life, neutralization is important for various applications, such as treating acid spills or managing soil pH for better plant growth. It also plays a role in our bodies, where the stomach uses neutralization to balance the acidity of gastric acid with bicarbonate from the pancreas.