Question

Choose the coefficient for blank 3 (in front of KBr)

___ KOH + ___ HBr --> ___ KBr + ___ H₂O
A) 4
B) 2
C) 1
D) 3

Answer 1

The correct coefficient for KBr when balancing the equation KOH + HBr --> KBr + H2O is 1. This is because there are equal numbers of each atom on both sides of the equation without any other compounds containing these elements, leading to the simplest whole number coefficients of 1 for all reactants and products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves determining the correct coefficient for KBr in the balanced chemical equation KOH + HBr --> KBr + H2O. To balance the equation, each element must be accounted for on both sides of the reaction. In this particular reaction, there is one potassium (K) atom, one bromine (Br) atom, and one oxygen (O) atom in KOH and one hydrogen (H) atom and one Br atom in HBr. When these react, they form one KBr molecule and one H2O molecule.

To balance the equation, the coefficients must ensure an equal number of atoms of each element on both sides. Here, since there are no other compounds containing these elements, the coefficients for KOH and HBr must be 1 to produce one KBr and one H2O molecule. Therefore, the coefficients are:1 KOH + 1 HBr → 1 KBr + 1 H2O.

So the correct answer is C) 1.