Which salt is most likely to give an acidic solution when dissolved in water?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Ammonium chloride
Salt hydrolysis determines the nature of a salt solution. Sodium carbonate, formed from a strong base and weak acid, gives a basic solution. Sodium chloride and potassium nitrate are approximately neutral because their ions hydrolyse negligibly. Ammonium chloride comes from the strong acid HCl and the weak base NH₄OH; NH₄⁺ hydrolyses to produce H₃O⁺, so its solution is acidic. Therefore D is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Ammonium chloride
Why is this the correct answer?
Salt hydrolysis determines the nature of a salt solution. Sodium carbonate, formed from a strong base and weak acid, gives a basic solution. Sodium chloride and potassium nitrate are approximately neutral because their ions hydrolyse negligibly. Ammonium chloride comes from the strong acid HCl and the weak base NH₄OH; NH₄⁺ hydrolyses to produce H₃O⁺, so its solution is acidic. Therefore D 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.
