Textbook Question
Determine if each salt will form a solution that is acidic, basic, or pH-neutral. a. FeCl3 b. NaF c. CaBr2 d. NH4Br
Ch.16 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 16, Problem 102b,c,d,e
Determine if each salt will form a solution that is acidic, basic, or pH-neutral. b. C2H5NH3NO3 c. K2CO3 d. RbI e. NH4ClO
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the ions formed by each salt when dissolved in water. For example, C2H5NH3NO3 dissociates into C2H5NH3+ and NO3-.
Step 2: Determine the nature of each ion. Check if the cation or anion is derived from a weak acid or weak base. For instance, C2H5NH3+ is the conjugate acid of a weak base (ethylamine), and NO3- is the conjugate base of a strong acid (HNO3).
Step 3: Predict the pH effect of each ion. A cation that is the conjugate acid of a weak base will make the solution acidic, while an anion that is the conjugate base of a weak acid will make the solution basic. If both ions are from strong acids and bases, the solution is neutral.
Step 4: Apply this analysis to each salt: (b) C2H5NH3NO3 is acidic, (c) K2CO3 is basic, (d) RbI is neutral, (e) NH4ClO is acidic.
Step 5: Summarize the results: Analyze the ions' origins and their effects on the solution's pH to determine if the solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Acid-Base Theory
Acid-base theory explains how substances can donate or accept protons (H+ ions). According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors. This concept is crucial for determining the pH of salt solutions, as the nature of the ions produced when salts dissolve can influence whether the solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:08
Bronsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory
Salt Hydrolysis
Salt hydrolysis refers to the reaction of salt ions with water, which can lead to the formation of acidic or basic solutions. When a salt dissolves, its constituent ions can interact with water, potentially altering the pH. For example, cations from weak bases can produce acidic solutions, while anions from weak acids can produce basic solutions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:50Ionic Salts
pH Scale
The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral. Understanding the pH scale is essential for evaluating the nature of the solutions formed by the salts in question. The pH can indicate whether a solution is acidic, basic, or neutral based on the concentration of hydrogen ions present.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:33The pH Scale
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Determine if each salt will form a solution that is acidic, basic, or pH-neutral. e. C6H5NH3NO2
Textbook Question
Determine if each salt will form a solution that is acidic, basic, or pH-neutral. a. Al(NO3)3
Textbook Question
Arrange the solutions in order of increasing acidity. NaCl, NH4Cl, NaHCO3, NH4ClO2, NaOH
1
views
Textbook Question
Determine the pH of each solution. a. 0.10 M NH4Cl