Neutralization Reaction of HCl and NaOH

In a chemistry class, students are learning about acids and bases. They are taught that acids donate protons (H⁺) in solution while bases accept protons. A common example of an acid is hydrochloric acid (HCl), and a common example of a base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). If they mix equal amounts of HCl and NaOH, they will undergo a chemical reaction.

What is the primary chemical reaction that occurs when hydrochloric acid (HCl) is mixed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?