To determine the type of reaction for the chemical equation:
[tex]\[ 2 \text{KOH}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{K}_2\text{CO}_3(aq) + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \][/tex]
we need to analyze the reactants and products and understand the nature of the reaction. Here are the steps to identify the reaction type:
1. Identify the Reactants and Products:
- The reactants are [tex]\( \text{KOH} \)[/tex] (potassium hydroxide, a base) and [tex]\( \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \)[/tex] (carbonic acid, an acid).
- The products are [tex]\( \text{K}_2\text{CO}_3 \)[/tex] (potassium carbonate) and water [tex]\( (\text{H}_2\text{O}) \)[/tex].
2. Understand the Reactants' Nature:
- [tex]\( \text{KOH} \)[/tex] is a base because it can donate hydroxide ions (OH[tex]\(^-\)[/tex]) in an aqueous solution.
- [tex]\( \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \)[/tex] is an acid because it can donate hydrogen ions (H[tex]\(^+\)[/tex]) in an aqueous solution.
3. Analyze the Reaction:
- In this reaction, the base (KOH) reacts with the acid (H2CO3).
- A salt ([tex]\( \text{K}_2\text{CO}_3 \)[/tex]) and water are formed as products.
4. Types of Reactions:
- Combustion: Involves oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water, usually involving hydrocarbons. This is not combustion.
- Double Replacement: Two compounds exchange ions. This reaction involves ion exchange but is more specifically acid-base.
- Single Replacement: One element replaces another in a compound. This reaction does not fit.
- Decomposition: One compound breaks into two or more substances. This reaction does not fit.
- Combination: Two or more substances combine to form one. This reaction does not fit.
- Acid-Base: An acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water. This fits perfectly.
Based on the analysis, this reaction is best categorized as an acid-base reaction:
[tex]\[ 6 \][/tex]
So, the type of reaction for the given chemical equation [tex]\( 2 \text{KOH}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{K}_2\text{CO}_3(aq) + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ \text{acid base} \][/tex]
