3. Write an equation for the neutralization of HBr by KOH.
$HBr(aq)+KOH(aq) \rightarrow KBr(aq)+H_2 O(1)$
4. What is the function of an indicator in a titration?
Answer (1)
The balanced chemical equation for the neutralization of HBr by KOH is H B r ( a q ) + K O H ( a q ) → K B r ( a q ) + H 2 O ( l ) .
An indicator in a titration signals the endpoint of the titration by changing color, which is close to the equivalence point where the titrant has completely reacted with the analyte.
The indicator helps to visually determine when the reaction is complete.
Titration is used in various applications, such as determining the acidity of soil in agriculture, measuring the concentration of pollutants in environmental monitoring, and quantifying the amount of vitamin C in food products.
Explanation
Problem Analysis The question asks for two things: first, the balanced chemical equation for the neutralization reaction between hydrobromic acid (HBr) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), and second, the function of an indicator in a titration.
Neutralization Equation The neutralization reaction between an acid and a base produces a salt and water. In this case, hydrobromic acid (HBr) reacts with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to produce potassium bromide (KBr) and water ( H 2 O ). The balanced chemical equation is: H B r ( a q ) + K O H ( a q ) → K B r ( a q ) + H 2 O ( l ) This equation shows that one mole of HBr reacts with one mole of KOH to produce one mole of KBr and one mole of water.
Function of an Indicator A titration is a laboratory technique used to determine the concentration of a solution (the analyte) by reacting it with a solution of known concentration (the titrant). An indicator is a substance that changes color at or near the equivalence point of the titration. The equivalence point is the point at which the titrant has completely reacted with the analyte. The indicator signals the end of the titration, which is close to the equivalence point.
Examples
Titration is used in various applications, such as determining the acidity of soil in agriculture, measuring the concentration of pollutants in environmental monitoring, and quantifying the amount of vitamin C in food products. For example, a farmer can use titration to determine the lime requirement of a soil sample to optimize crop growth. Similarly, environmental scientists use titration to measure the concentration of sulfur dioxide in air samples to assess air quality. In the food industry, titration is used to ensure the quality and nutritional value of food products.
