Question

Predict if the solutions of the following salts are neutral, acidic or basic:

NaCl, KBr, NaCN, NH₄NO₃, NaNO₂ and KF

Answer 1

(i) NaCl:

\[\ce{NaCl + H2O <-> \underset{Strong base}{NaOH} + \underset{Strong acid}{HCl}}\]

Therefore, it is a neutral solution.

(ii) KBr:

\[\ce{KBr + H_2O <-> \underset{Strong base}{KOH} + \underset{Strong acid}{HBr}}\]

Therefore, it is a neutral solution.

(iii) NaCN:

\[\ce{NaCN + H_2O <-> \underset{Weak acid}{HCN} + \underset{Strong base}{NaOH}}\]

Therefore, it is a basic solution

(iv) NH₄NO₃

\[\ce{NH_4NO_3 + H_2O <-> \underset{Weak base}{NH_4OH} + \underset{Strong acid}{HNO_3}}\]

Therefore, it is an acidic solution.

(v) NaNO₂

\[\ce{NaNO_2 + H_2O <-> \underset{Strong base}{NaOH} + \underset{weak acid}{HNO_2}}\]

Therefore, it is a basic solution.

(vi) KF

\[\ce{KF + H_2O <-> \underset{Strong base}{KOH} + \underset{weak acid}{HF}}\]

Therefore, it is a basic solution.