12.4k views
2 votes
What effect did the addition of NH 3 have on the contents of the test tube?

A) Increased acidity
B) No change
C) Increased basicity
D) Precipitation occurred

User Kdechant
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

0 votes

Final answer:

The addition of NH3 to the contents of a test tube generally increases the solution's basicity, as NH3 is the conjugate base of a weak acid and generates hydroxide ions in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

When NH3 (ammonia) is added to the contents of a test tube, it acts as a base and increases the basicity. Ammonia is the conjugate base of ammonium (NH4+), which is a weak acid. Therefore, adding NH3 to a solution will typically increase its pH above 7, making the solution more basic. In the context of solubility, the addition of ammonia can increase the solubility of salts that are composed of the conjugate bases of weak acids, but it would not affect the solubility of salts of strong acids significantly.

In a reaction with water, ammonia will produce hydroxide ions (OH-) according to the equilibrium NH3(aq) + H2O(l) ⇒ NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq), which leads to an increase in basicity. This is further illustrated in buffer solutions, where adding NH3 increases the concentration of ammonia and hydroxide ions. The question does not provide enough detail to determine if a precipitation occurs as a direct result of adding NH3. However, in different contexts, the presence of NH3 could lead to the formation of precipitates with certain metal ions.

User Cembo
by
7.6k points