Chemical Reaction: HBr + KOH = KBr + H₂O

12 May 2023

What are acids and bases in the given chemical reaction?

Can you explain the role of HBr and KOH in this reaction?

In the given chemical reaction, hydrogen bromide (HBr) is an acid and potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a base.

In this reaction, HBr loses H⁺ ion, which combines with potassium to form KBr salt. On the other hand, KOH loses OH- ion.

According to the Arrhenius theory, acids are substances that release H⁺ ions in aqueous solutions, while bases donate hydroxide ions.

Therefore, in the chemical equation HBr + KOH → KBr + H₂O, HBr acts as the acid and KOH acts as the base.

This reaction demonstrates the typical behavior of an acid-base reaction, where ions are exchanged between the two compounds.