Question

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of potassium hydroxide and nitric acid are combined

1) HNO₃+ KOH R H₂O + K+ + NO₃-
2) NO₃- + K+ R KNO₃

Answer 1

The net ionic equation for the reaction between potassium hydroxide and nitric acid is OH-(aq) + H+(aq) → H2O(l), which illustrates the process of neutralization where a hydroxide ion reacts with a hydrogen ion to form water.

Step-by-step explanation:

When aqueous solutions of potassium hydroxide and nitric acid are combined, a neutralization reaction occurs. The full balanced equation for this reaction is:

KOH(aq) + HNO3(aq) → KNO3(aq) + H2O(l)

In this reaction, potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong base and nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong acid. When writing the net ionic equation, we exclude the spectator ions (K+ in this case) to focus on the actual chemical change taking place:

OH−(aq) + H+(aq) → H2O(l)

This net ionic equation shows the hydroxide ion (OH−) from the base reacting with the hydrogen ion (H+) from the acid to form water, illustrating the neutralization process. The potassium ion (K+) and the nitrate ion (NO3−) do not participate in the reaction and are therefore not included in the net ionic equation.