Here's the breakdown:
* Reaction: KOH (aq) + HCl (aq) → KCl (aq) + H₂O (l)
* Explanation:
* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong base, meaning it readily dissociates into potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution.
* Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid, meaning it readily dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) in solution.
* When these solutions are mixed, the hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid react with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base to form water (H₂O).
* The remaining ions, potassium ions (K⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), combine to form potassium chloride (KCl), a salt that remains dissolved in the solution.
Result:
* The reaction produces heat (exothermic reaction) as the ions bond to form water and salt.
* The resulting solution is neutral, meaning it has a pH close to 7.
* The salt formed, potassium chloride (KCl), is a soluble ionic compound that remains dissolved in the water.
Important Note:
* This reaction is highly exothermic. Mixing concentrated solutions can generate significant heat, potentially causing splashing or even boiling. Always add the base to the acid slowly, while stirring constantly, to control the heat generated.
* This is a common laboratory reaction used for titrations and other chemical experiments.
