Reactions that form molecules: Water
Ions can combine to form products that are not solids, but do not ionize very much, if at all. Water is an example of such a product.
H2SO4 + 2 NaOH ---> ?
Write out all the ions that form. See if any can make water.
2 H+ + SO42- + 2 Na+ + 2 OH- ---> ?
H+ + OH- ---> H2O(l) is an Acid-Base reaction that forms a water molecule.
2 H+ + SO42- + 2 Na+ + 2 OH- ---> 2 Na+ + SO42- + 2 H2O(l)
The net ionic equation shows what drives this reaction.
H+ + OH- ---> H2O(l)