Why do acids and bases react with one another?
Acids have a loosely bound hydrogen atom or radical. Bases have a loosely bound hydroxyl radical made of two atoms, oxygen and hydrogen. A loosely bound hydrogen atom and a loosely bound hydroxyl radical are more likely to react and join together and form a tight bond with each other than they are to remain where they are. When they join together they create a compound with two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atoms. The compound is more tightly bound together than the original hydrogen ion and the hydroxyl radical. It is as if two people holding hands are suddenly handcuffed together.
