A salt solution turns blue litmus red. From which type of acid and base is it most likely formed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Strong acid and weak base
Blue litmus turning red means the salt solution is acidic. In the usual school-level classification, salts of strong acids and weak bases undergo hydrolysis that increases the hydrogen-ion concentration, producing an acidic solution. Hence option B is the most likely combination. A strong acid–strong base salt is generally neutral, while a weak acid–strong base salt is generally basic; weak–weak salts require comparison of strengths.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Strong acid and weak base
Why is this the correct answer?
Blue litmus turning red means the salt solution is acidic. In the usual school-level classification, salts of strong acids and weak bases undergo hydrolysis that increases the hydrogen-ion concentration, producing an acidic solution. Hence option B is the most likely combination. A strong acid–strong base salt is generally neutral, while a weak acid–strong base salt is generally basic; weak–weak salts require comparison of strengths.
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.
