A salt solution turns blue litmus slightly red. From which type of acid and base may this salt be formed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Strong acid and weak base
Blue litmus turning red indicates that the salt solution is acidic. This generally occurs when a salt is formed from a strong acid and a weak base, because the cation from the weak base undergoes hydrolysis and produces excess hydronium ions. Therefore option A is correct. A weak-acid/strong-base salt is usually basic, a strong-acid/strong-base salt is nearly neutral, and a weak-acid/weak-base salt is 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?
Blue litmus turning red indicates that the salt solution is acidic. This generally occurs when a salt is formed from a strong acid and a weak base, because the cation from the weak base undergoes hydrolysis and produces excess hydronium ions. Therefore option A is correct. A weak-acid/strong-base salt is usually basic, a strong-acid/strong-base salt is nearly neutral, and a weak-acid/weak-base salt is 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.
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