is the following reaction a neutralisation reaction? why/why not?

magnesium oxide + hydrochloric acid → magnesium chloride + water

Yes, this is a neutralisation reaction because an acid (hydrochloric acid) reacts with a base (magnesium oxide) to form a salt (magnesium chloride) and water.

Yes, the given reaction is a neutralization reaction.

In a neutralization reaction, an acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water. In the given reaction, magnesium oxide (MgO) acts as a base, and hydrochloric acid (HCl) acts as an acid.

When MgO reacts with HCl, magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is formed as a salt, and water (H2O) is produced. The reaction can be represented chemically as:

MgO + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O

Since the reaction involves the combination of an acid and a base to produce a salt and water, it fits the definition of a neutralization reaction. Therefore, the given reaction is indeed a neutralization reaction.