Write balanced molecular and net ionic equations for the reaction between hydrobromic acid and potassium hydroxide.

Key Concepts

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In this case, hydrobromic acid (HBr) acts as an acid, donating a proton, while potassium hydroxide (KOH) serves as a base, accepting the proton. The result is the formation of water and a salt, illustrating the neutralization process typical of acid-base reactions.

Balanced Chemical Equations

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. This ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld. For the reaction between HBr and KOH, the balanced molecular equation shows all reactants and products, while the net ionic equation focuses on the species that undergo change during the reaction.

Ionic Compounds and Solubility

Ionic compounds, such as KBr formed in this reaction, dissociate into their constituent ions in solution. Understanding solubility rules helps predict which compounds will remain in solution and which will precipitate. In the case of the net ionic equation, only the ions that participate in the reaction are included, omitting spectator ions that do not change during the reaction.