Question

Determine whether aqueous solutions of the following salts are acidic, basic, or neutral.

1) Acidic
2) Basic
3) Neutral

Answer 1

To determine whether aqueous solutions of salts are acidic, basic, or neutral, we need to examine the ions produced when the salts dissolve in water. By applying guidelines based on the strength of acids and bases, we can determine the nature of the salts listed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Determining the Acidic or Basic Nature of Salts

To determine whether aqueous solutions of salts are acidic, basic, or neutral, we need to examine the ions produced when the salts dissolve in water. We can use the following guidelines:

• Acidic: Salts formed from weak bases and strong acids. Example: NH4Cl
• Basic: Salts formed from strong bases and weak acids. Example: NaF
• Neutral: Salts formed from strong acids and strong bases. Example: NaCl

Using these guidelines, we can determine the nature of the following salts:

(a) K₂CO3 - Basic

(b) CaCl₂ - Neutral

(c) KH₂PO4 - Acidic

(d) (NH4)2CO3 - Basic