Here's the balanced chemical equation:
HNO₃ (aq) + KOH (aq) → KNO₃ (aq) + H₂O (l)
Explanation:
* Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong acid, meaning it readily donates a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong base, meaning it readily accepts a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
When these two solutions are mixed, the hydrogen ions from the nitric acid react with the hydroxide ions from the potassium hydroxide, forming water (H₂O). The remaining ions, potassium (K⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻), combine to form potassium nitrate (KNO₃), which dissolves in the water to create a solution.
Key points:
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
* The pH of the solution will change from acidic (HNO₃) to basic (KOH) until it reaches a neutral pH (around 7) when the reaction is complete.
* The reaction is considered a double displacement reaction, where the positive and negative ions of the reactants switch partners to form new products.
Applications:
* Neutralization reactions are used in many applications, such as:
* Wastewater treatment: To neutralize acidic or basic wastewater.
* pH adjustment: To adjust the pH of solutions in various industries.
* Synthesis of salts: To produce salts like potassium nitrate, which has various uses in fertilizers, explosives, and food preservation.
