Question

Use the ion-electron method to balance the equation involving the reaction between potassium and water that produces potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, (Pure water and diatomic hydrogen do not ionize.)

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation for the reaction between potassium and water to produce potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas is:

K + H2O -> KOH + H2

Using the ion-electron method, we can balance the equation as follows:

Write the unbalanced equation

K + H2O -> KOH + H2

Write the ionization equation for H2O (water)

H2O -> H+ + OH-

Multiply the coefficients in the ionization equation by the number of H2O molecules in the unbalanced equation (in this case, one) to balance the number of H+ and OH- ions

H2O -> H+ + OH-

Substitute the H+ and OH- ions into the unbalanced equation

K + H+ + OH- -> KOH + H2

Balance the remaining atoms and charge

K + H+ + OH- -> KOH + H2

check charge and atom balance

K + H+ + OH- -> KOH + H2

Simplify the equation

K + H2O -> KOH + H2

The balanced equation is K + H2O -> KOH + H2