Here's why:
* Single Displacement Reaction: In a single displacement reaction, a more reactive element or ion displaces a less reactive one from a compound.
* Reaction Breakdown: In this case, the hydrogen ion (H⁺) from HNO₃ is more reactive than the potassium ion (K⁺) in KCl. The hydrogen ion displaces the potassium ion, forming KNO₃ and leaving behind HCl.
Here's the balanced chemical equation:
KCl + HNO₃ → KNO₃ + HCl
Key points:
* This reaction is also considered an acid-base reaction, as nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong acid and potassium chloride (KCl) is a salt that can act as a base in this context.
* The reaction is reversible and can be shifted to the right (favoring product formation) by removing one of the products (e.g., by evaporation of HCl).