Explain how a redox reaction involves electrons in the same way that a neutralization reaction involves protons. [Sections 4.3 and 4.4\(]\)

A redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction involves the transfer of electrons between reactants, with one reactant losing electrons (oxidation) and the other gaining electrons (reduction). For example, in the reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to form water, hydrogen gets oxidized and oxygen gets reduced. In contrast, a neutralization reaction occurs between an acid and a base, resulting in the formation of a salt and water. The key similarity between these reactions is the transfer of particles: electrons in redox reactions and protons (hydrogen ions) in neutralization reactions. For example, in the neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the proton from HCl combines with the hydroxide ion from NaOH to form water. Thus, both redox and neutralization reactions involve particle transfer, which is crucial for understanding various chemical processes.