Why does dry hydrogen chloride gas not affect dry litmus?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Ions do not form without water
Hydrogen chloride shows acidic behaviour when it dissolves in water and ionises to form hydrogen ions, commonly represented as H₃O⁺ in aqueous solution. Dry HCl gas has no water in which this ionisation can occur, and dry litmus also has no moisture for the colour-changing reaction. Therefore, dry HCl does not change dry litmus. The gas is not basic or metallic, so option A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Ions do not form without water
Why is this the correct answer?
Hydrogen chloride shows acidic behaviour when it dissolves in water and ionises to form hydrogen ions, commonly represented as H₃O⁺ in aqueous solution. Dry HCl gas has no water in which this ionisation can occur, and dry litmus also has no moisture for the colour-changing reaction. Therefore, dry HCl does not change dry litmus. The gas is not basic or metallic, so option 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.
