An aqueous salt solution shows pH 5. What is the most probable formation condition of this salt?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Formed from a strong acid and a weak base
The governing concept is salt hydrolysis and the pH of salt solutions. A pH of 5 is below 7, so the solution is acidic. Salts produced from a strong acid and a weak base generally contain a cation that reacts with water to generate hydronium ions, making the solution acidic; ammonium chloride is a familiar example. A weak-acid/strong-base salt is usually basic, while a strong-acid/strong-base salt is approximately neutral. Thus A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Formed from a strong acid and a weak base
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is salt hydrolysis and the pH of salt solutions. A pH of 5 is below 7, so the solution is acidic. Salts produced from a strong acid and a weak base generally contain a cation that reacts with water to generate hydronium ions, making the solution acidic; ammonium chloride is a familiar example. A weak-acid/strong-base salt is usually basic, while a strong-acid/strong-base salt is approximately neutral. Thus A is correct.
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.
