Consider this reaction: $KOH + HBr \rightarrow KBr + H _2 O$
Which is the acid in this reaction?
A. KOH
B. HBr
C. KBr
D. $H _2 O$
Answer (2)
Identify that an acid donates a proton ( H + ).
Analyze the reactants: KOH is a base, HBr is an acid, KBr is a salt, and H 2 O is water.
Determine that HBr donates a proton in the reaction.
Conclude that the acid in the reaction is H B r .
Explanation
Understanding the Reaction We are given the reaction: K O H + H B r → K B r + H 2 O . We need to identify the acid in this reaction from the given options: KOH, HBr, KBr, and H 2 O .
Identifying the Acid Recall that an acid is a substance that donates a proton ( H + ). In this reaction, we need to determine which reactant donates a proton.
Analyzing the Options Let's analyze each option:
KOH is a base (potassium hydroxide).
HBr is hydrobromic acid. It donates a proton ( H + ) to form B r − .
KBr is a salt (potassium bromide).
H 2 O is water.
Conclusion Since HBr donates a proton in this reaction, it is the acid.
Examples
Acids and bases are fundamental in chemistry and play a crucial role in many everyday applications. For example, in our digestive system, hydrochloric acid (HCl) helps break down food. In agriculture, understanding the acidity or alkalinity of soil is essential for growing crops. Acid-base reactions are also used in the production of many industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaning products. The reaction between an acid and a base, like the one in the problem, is called neutralization, where the acid and base react to form a salt and water.
In the reaction K O H + H B r → K B r + H 2 O , HBr is the acid because it donates a proton ( H + ). Therefore, the correct answer is H B r . This reaction is an example of an acid-base neutralization, resulting in a salt and water.
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