A salt solution shows pH 3. From which type of acid and base can this salt be formed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Strong acid and weak base
The governing concept is salt hydrolysis. A pH of 3 is distinctly acidic, so the salt produces excess H3O+ ions in water. Salts formed from a strong acid and a weak base, such as ammonium chloride from HCl and NH4OH, commonly give acidic solutions because the conjugate acid of the weak base hydrolyses. A weak-acid/strong-base salt is basic, a strong/strong salt is approximately neutral, and weak/weak salts are not always neutral.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Strong acid and weak base
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is salt hydrolysis. A pH of 3 is distinctly acidic, so the salt produces excess H3O+ ions in water. Salts formed from a strong acid and a weak base, such as ammonium chloride from HCl and NH4OH, commonly give acidic solutions because the conjugate acid of the weak base hydrolyses. A weak-acid/strong-base salt is basic, a strong/strong salt is approximately neutral, and weak/weak salts are not always neutral.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
