Multiple Choice
Which of the illustrations represents the weakest acid?
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
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Which of the following salts would produce a basic solution?
A
KI
B
NaC2H3O2
C
NH4Cl
D
Ca(NO3)2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the nature of the ions produced when each salt is dissolved in water. For example, KI dissociates into K⁺ and I⁻ ions.
Determine if the anion or cation can affect the pH of the solution. Anions from weak acids or cations from weak bases can make the solution basic or acidic.
Consider the conjugate acid-base pairs. For example, NaC₂H₃O₂ dissociates into Na⁺ and C₂H₃O₂⁻. The acetate ion (C₂H₃O₂⁻) is the conjugate base of acetic acid, a weak acid, which can accept protons and make the solution basic.
Evaluate the other salts: NH₄Cl dissociates into NH₄⁺ and Cl⁻. NH₄⁺ is the conjugate acid of NH₃, a weak base, which can donate protons and make the solution acidic.
Ca(NO₃)₂ dissociates into Ca²⁺ and NO₃⁻. Neither ion affects the pH significantly as NO₃⁻ is the conjugate base of a strong acid (HNO₃) and Ca²⁺ is neutral, so the solution remains neutral.
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