Which acid-base reaction would produce an ammonium salt?

The reaction that produces an ammonium salt occurs when an acid reacts with ammonia. In this case, the acid donates a proton (H⁺ ion) to ammonia (NH₃), which acts as a base. Ammonia can accept the proton, resulting in the formation of an ammonium ion (NH₄⁺). When this ammonium ion combines with the anion from the acid, an ammonium salt is formed.

For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with ammonia, the result is ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl). This is a classic example of an acid-base reaction where the acid provides the proton, and ammonia, which is a base, accepts it.

Other reactions listed do not lead to the formation of ammonium salts. For instance, an acid reacting with water primarily results in the formation of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and does not produce a salt. Similarly, an acid reacting with a metal typically produces a salt and hydrogen gas, while a reaction with a carbonate results in a salt, water, and carbon dioxide but does not involve ammonia. Thus, the unique combination of acid and ammonia leading to the formation of an ammonium salt highlights the