Why do acids and bases react?

[DTingey_1C]

In an acid-base reaction, such as:

HBr = K+(OH)- --> KBr + H2O

What is forcing the H atom in the HBr to switch with the K atom in the K+(OH)-? Is switch the wrong word to use? Is there a better way to understand this reaction conceptually? Thanks.

[LNgo 1G]

I believe this would be considered a substitution reaction, so the ions do essentially "switch". The bonds in the molecules break in water due to hydrogen bonding and are reformed in more stable structures.

[Qiu Ya Wu 4I]

Assuming that HBr + K+(OH)- --> KBr + H2O is your intended reaction, this reaction is an example of a neutralization reaction, which you could read more about in Fundamentals J.3. The H+ ion dissociates with the Br in the presence of a metal hydroxide (KOH-) since HBr is a strong acid and KOH- is a base. When the two combine, they produce a neutral salt (KBr) and water.

[Hannah Romano 4D]

Because KOH and HBr are soluble, they will dissociate to K+, OH-, H+. and Br-. Then the ions will react with one another to form the products.