Breaking Down the Reaction

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

**Understanding the Reaction: KOH + HBr → KBr + H2O**

What is the Reaction All About?

The given reaction is a chemical reaction between potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrobromic acid (HBr). This reaction is a classic example of a neutralization reaction, where an acid reacts with a base to form a salt and water.

Breaking Down the Reaction

KOH (Potassium Hydroxide): A strong base that completely dissociates in water to produce potassium ions (K+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
HBr (Hydrobromic Acid): A strong acid that completely dissociates in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+) and bromide ions (Br-).
KBr (Potassium Bromide): The salt formed as a result of the reaction between KOH and HBr.
H2O (Water): The product of the reaction, formed when the hydroxide ions (OH-) from KOH react with the hydrogen ions (H+) from HBr.

Analyzing the Statements

Now, let's analyze the given statements about HBr:

A. It turns blue litmus red.

Explanation: HBr is a strong acid, and as such, it will turn blue litmus red. This is because strong acids are capable of completely dissociating in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which in turn causes the litmus to change color.
Conclusion: This statement is TRUE.

B. It reacts with carbon dioxide to form a carbonate.

Explanation: HBr is a strong acid, but it does not react with carbon dioxide (CO2) to form a carbonate. Carbonates are typically formed when a base reacts with carbon dioxide, not an acid.
Conclusion: This statement is FALSE.

C. It feels slippery.

Explanation: HBr is a strong acid, and as such, it does not feel slippery. In fact, strong acids are typically corrosive and can cause burns or other injuries if not handled properly.
Conclusion: This statement is FALSE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statement that is most likely true about HBr is that it turns blue litmus red. This is because HBr is a strong acid, and as such, it will completely dissociate in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which in turn causes the litmus to change color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid?

A: A strong acid is an acid that completely dissociates in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). A weak acid, on the other hand, only partially dissociates in water, producing a lower concentration of hydrogen ions (H+).

Q: What is the pH of a strong acid?

A: The pH of a strong acid is typically very low, often around 0 or 1. This is because strong acids produce a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which in turn causes the pH to decrease.

Q: Can HBr be used as a disinfectant?

A: While HBr is a strong acid, it is not typically used as a disinfectant. In fact, strong acids like HBr can be corrosive and can cause burns or other injuries if not handled properly.

Q: What is the difference between HBr and HCl?

A: HBr (Hydrobromic Acid) and HCl (Hydrochloric Acid) are both strong acids, but they have different properties and uses. HBr is typically used in the production of bromine and other bromine-containing compounds, while HCl is typically used in the production of chlorine and other chlorine-containing compounds.

Q: Can HBr be used in the production of pharmaceuticals?

A: While HBr is a strong acid, it is not typically used in the production of pharmaceuticals. In fact, strong acids like HBr can be corrosive and can cause burns or other injuries if not handled properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HBr is a strong acid that completely dissociates in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). While it has some uses in industry, it is not typically used as a disinfectant or in the production of pharmaceuticals.