Reaction:
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong base, and nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong acid. When they react, they undergo a neutralization reaction, producing a salt and water:
KOH (aq) + HNO₃ (aq) → KNO₃ (aq) + H₂O (l)
Explanation:
* KOH (aq): Potassium hydroxide dissolved in water, forming potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
* HNO₃ (aq): Nitric acid dissolved in water, forming hydrogen ions (H⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).
* KNO₃ (aq): Potassium nitrate, a soluble salt, formed from the combination of potassium ions (K⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).
* H₂O (l): Water is formed from the combination of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
Key Points:
* This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
* The resulting solution will be neutral (pH close to 7) if the acid and base are reacted in stoichiometric amounts.
* The salt produced (potassium nitrate) is a common fertilizer.
Let me know if you have any other questions about this reaction or other chemical reactions!
