Sodium chloride is a salt formed from acidic and basic sources. Why is the pH of its aqueous solution about 7?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: It is formed from a strong acid and a strong base
Sodium chloride is formed by neutralisation of hydrochloric acid, HCl, a strong acid, with sodium hydroxide, NaOH, a strong base: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O. The Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions do not hydrolyse appreciably in water, so the solution remains nearly neutral with pH close to 7. Option A is correct. Salts from weak acids or weak bases generally produce acidic or basic solutions instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
It is formed from a strong acid and a strong base
Why is this the correct answer?
Sodium chloride is formed by neutralisation of hydrochloric acid, HCl, a strong acid, with sodium hydroxide, NaOH, a strong base: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O. The Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions do not hydrolyse appreciably in water, so the solution remains nearly neutral with pH close to 7. Option A is correct. Salts from weak acids or weak bases generally produce acidic or basic solutions instead.
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.
