Question

Determine if each of the following will form a neutral, acidic, or basic solution and explain why. Show your work.

a) NaHSO4

b) Na2SO4

c) NH4CN

Answer 1

For a: The given salt is acidic in nature.

For b: The given salt is neutral in nature.

For c: The given salt is neutral in nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Salts are formed by the combination of an acid and a base. There are 3 types of salt:

• Acidic salt: It is formed by the combination of strong acid and weak base.
• Basic salt: It is formed by the combination of a strong base and weak acid.
• Neutral salt: It is formed by the combination of strong acid and strong base or weak acid and weak base.

For the given options:

(a):
`NaHSO_4`

This salt is formed by the combination of sodium hydroxide (strong base) and the partial dissociation of sulfuric acid (strong acid). It also has a replaceable hydrogen ion which can be produced when dissolved in water. Thus, the given salt is acidic in nature.

(b):
`Na_2SO_4`

This salt is formed by the combination of sodium hydroxide (strong base) and sulfuric acid (strong acid).

Thus, the given salt is neutral in nature.

(c):
`NH_4CN`

This salt is formed by the combination of ammonium hydroxide (weak base) and hydrocyanic acid (weak acid).

Thus, the given salt is neutral in nature.