The reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and an acid is typically an exothermic reaction. When NaOH, a strong base, reacts with a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), it produces water and a salt while releasing heat. This release of heat occurs because the formation of water from the reaction of H⁺ ions from the acid and OH⁻ ions from the base results in a net release of energy.
However, specific conditions, such as concentrations and temperatures, may influence the degree of heat released, but in general, the neutralization reaction between a strong acid and a strong base like NaOH is exothermic.