Question

which of these depicts the balanced equation for the neutralization of potassium hydroxide and nitric acid? koh + hno₂ → kno₂ + h₂o koh + hno₃ → knoh + ho₃ koh + hno₃ → kno₃ + h₂o koh + hno₃ → kno₂ + h₂o₂

Explanation:

To determine the balanced neutralization equation between potassium hydroxide (KOH) and nitric acid (HNO₃), we analyze each option:

• First option: Uses HNO₂ (nitrous acid), not nitric acid (HNO₃), so incorrect.
• Second option: Products (KNOH, HO₃) are chemically invalid; neutralization of a strong base (KOH) and strong acid (HNO₃) should form a salt and water.
• Third option: KOH (base) + HNO₃ (acid) → KNO₃ (salt, potassium nitrate) + H₂O (water). This follows the neutralization reaction pattern (acid + base → salt + water) and has balanced atoms (K:1, O:4, H:2, N:1 on both sides).
• Fourth option: Products (KNO₂, H₂O₂) are incorrect; HNO₃ does not form KNO₂ or H₂O₂ in this reaction.

Answer:

C. $\ce{KOH + HNO_{3} -> KNO_{3} + H_{2}O}$ (or the option labeled "KOH + HNO₃ → KNO₃ + H₂O")