If a salt is formed from a strong base and a weak acid, what effect will its aqueous solution generally show on red litmus?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: It will turn red litmus blue
The governing idea is salt hydrolysis. A salt produced from a strong base and a weak acid generally gives a basic aqueous solution because the anion of the weak acid reacts with water and generates some OH⁻ ions. Basic solutions turn red litmus blue. The exact strength depends on concentration and hydrolysis, but the expected school-level result is basicity. Therefore option A is correct; the other colour changes are not standard acid-base indicators.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
It will turn red litmus blue
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing idea is salt hydrolysis. A salt produced from a strong base and a weak acid generally gives a basic aqueous solution because the anion of the weak acid reacts with water and generates some OH⁻ ions. Basic solutions turn red litmus blue. The exact strength depends on concentration and hydrolysis, but the expected school-level result is basicity. Therefore option A is correct; the other colour changes are not standard acid-base indicators.
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.