Question

what is the molecular equation for the reaction of hydrochloric acid with potassium hydroxide?

a. ( ce{h2cl + 2koh -> h2o + 2kcl} )

b. ( ce{2hcl + k(oh)2 -> 2h2o + kcl2} )

c. ( ce{h+ + oh- -> h2o} )

d. ( ce{hcl + koh -> h2o + kcl} )

e. hydrochloric acid does not react

Explanation:

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong base. They react in a neutralization reaction to form water (H₂O) and a salt (KCl). Let's analyze each option:

• Option a: The formula for hydrochloric acid is HCl, not H₂Cl. So this is incorrect.
• Option b: The formula for potassium hydroxide is KOH, not K(OH)₂, and the formula for the salt should be KCl (since K has a +1 charge and Cl has a -1 charge), not KCl₂. So this is incorrect.
• Option c: This is the net ionic equation, not the molecular equation. The question asks for the molecular equation, so this is incorrect.
• Option d: HCl (hydrochloric acid) reacts with KOH (potassium hydroxide) to form H₂O (water) and KCl (potassium chloride). The equation is balanced, and the formulas are correct for a molecular equation of a neutralization reaction between a strong acid and a strong base.
• Option e: Hydrochloric acid (a strong acid) does react with potassium hydroxide (a strong base) in a neutralization reaction, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

d. $\ce{HCl + KOH
ightarrow H_{2}O + KCl}$