An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride can turn blue litmus red. What is the reason?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: It is a salt made from a strong acid and a weak base
Ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, is formed from hydrochloric acid, a strong acid, and ammonium hydroxide, a weak base. In water, the ammonium ion hydrolyses and produces hydronium ions, making the solution acidic. Hence option B is correct and blue litmus turns red. Option A would generally describe a basic salt; options C and D are chemically false.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
It is a salt made from a strong acid and a weak base
Why is this the correct answer?
Ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, is formed from hydrochloric acid, a strong acid, and ammonium hydroxide, a weak base. In water, the ammonium ion hydrolyses and produces hydronium ions, making the solution acidic. Hence option B is correct and blue litmus turns red. Option A would generally describe a basic salt; options C and D are chemically false.
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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