Final answer:
To rank the solutions from most acidic to most basic, we must know the nature of each compound. H₂SO₄ is a strong acid, NH4NO3 is slightly acidic, NaCl is neutral, NaCN is a weak base, and NaOH is a strong base. Thus, the correct order is H2SO3, NH4NO3, NaCl, NaCN, and NaOH.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question, we must first understand that acids and bases can be categorized as strong or weak based on their ability to donate protons (H+) or accept protons, respectively. A strong acid completely dissociates in water to give H+ ions; on the other hand, a weak acid only partially dissociates. Similarly, a strong base completely dissociates to give OH-ions, while a weak base partially dissociates.
To arrange the given solutions from most acidic to most basic, we must recognize each compound's nature:
- NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) is a strong base.
- NaCN (sodium cyanide) is a weak base.
- H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) is a strong acid.
- NH4NO3 (ammonium nitrate) is slightly acidic since NH4+ can donate H+.
- NaCl (sodium chloride) is neutral, as it is the product of a strong acid (HCl) and a strong base (NaOH) reaction.
According to these classifications and considering their strengths, the correct order from most acidic to most basic is:
- H2SO4 (Strong acid)
- NH4NO3 (Slightly acidic)
- NaCl (Neutral)
- NaCN (Weak base)
- NaOH (Strong base)