Question

A reaction between which two reactants will consistently yield a salt that forms an acidic solution?

Answer 1

a strong acid and a weak base

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

A reaction between a strong acid and a weak base.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conjugate acid of a weak base is a strong acid.

`\underbrace{\hbox{H}_(3)\text{O}^(+)}_{\hbox{acid}} + \underbrace{\hbox{B}}_{\hbox{base}} =\underbrace{\hbox{BH}^(+)}_{\hbox{acid}} + \underbrace{\hbox{H}_(2)\text{O}}_{\hbox{acid}}`

The reaction above is reversible, so we can write

`\underbrace{\hbox{BH}^(+)}_{\hbox{acid}} + \underbrace{\hbox{H}_(2)\text{O}}_{\hbox{base}}\rightleftharpoons \underbrace{\hbox{H}_(3)\text{O}^(+)}_{\hbox{acid}} + \underbrace{\hbox{B}}_{\hbox{base}}`

Thus, the solution of the salt will be acidic, because it produces hydronium ions.

Example;

Ammonium chloride is the salt of a strong acid (HCl) and a weak base (NH₃).

Solutions of NH₄Cl are acidic.