Which of the following is the correctly balanced chemical equation for the reaction of KOH and H2SO4?

• A. KOH + H2SO4 → KHSO4 + H2O
• B. 2 KOH + 2 H2SO4 → 2 KHSO4 + 2 H2O
• C. 2 KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2 H2O
• D. KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + H2O

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: potassium hydroxide (KOH) reacts with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to form a salt and water.
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: \(\mathrm{KOH + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow ?}\), where the products could be potassium bisulfate (KHSO4), potassium sulfate (K2SO4), and water (H2O).
3. Determine the correct formula of the salt formed based on the stoichiometry of the acid-base reaction. Sulfuric acid is diprotic, meaning it can donate two protons (H+), so it can react with one or two KOH units.
4. Balance the equation by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. For example, if the product is potassium sulfate (K2SO4), balance potassium (K), sulfur (S), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) accordingly.
5. Write the balanced equation with coefficients: \(\mathrm{2\ KOH + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow K_2SO_4 + 2\ H_2O}\), confirming that all atoms are balanced and the charge is neutral on both sides.