[Enceph]

Why when Sodium Acetate is formed, the H on the end of the Acetic Acid formula goes away?  Acetic Acid (CH3COOH), and it becomes CH3COONa, when Acetic Acid and Sodium bond

[Borek]

What is an acid?

[ARGOS++]

Dear Enceph;

Let’s say it a little simpler to not stress/forget all or any definition of Acids and Bases:

The O-H bond of the Acid is by far the bond with the most ionic nature, and ionic bonds tend to dissociate in water to a certain amount:
      CH₃CO-O-H    <----->    CH₃CO-O^-  +   H⁺    (H⁺ mostly written as H₃O⁺)
Similar is true for the Me-O bond of the Sodium hydroxide:
      Na-O-H            <----->    Na⁺   +  HO^-
But as the Equilibrium in water of :   
      H3O⁺  + HO^-   <----->  2H₂O_(liq.)    lies very strong on the right side the “final” Salt Sodium Acetate is remaining in ionic form, and that’s also the “form” how you can isolate it.

I hope this may help to give you an Idea.

Good Luck!
                   ARGOS⁺⁺

P.S.: Sorry to all them, they think this may be “drawn” too simplified!
.