In: Chemistry
Which of the following solutions is basic?
a. 0.10 M NH4ClO4
b. 0.10 M NH4Cl
c. 0.10 M NaNO3
d. 0.10 M NaI
e. 0.10 M NaCN
The correct answer is listed as E. Please explain why. I don't understand
a. 0.10 M NH4ClO4 ==> In water NH4+ and ClO4-=> strong conjugate acid and weak conjugate base
In water they exist as: NH 4 OH, H+ and ClO4-
=> Result: acidic
b. 0.10 M NH4Cl ==> In water NH4+ and Cl-=> strong conjugate acid and weak conjugate base
In water they exist as: NH4OH, H+ and Cl-
=> Result: acidic
c. 0.10 M NaNO3 ==>In water Na+ and NO3-=> strong conjugate base and strong conjugate acid
In water they exist as: Na+, OH-, H+ and Cl-
=> Result: Neutral
d. 0.10 M NaI ==> In water Na+ and I-=> weak conjugate acid and weak conjugate base
In water they exist as: Na+, OH-, H+ and I-
=> Result: Neutral
e. 0.10 M NaCN ==> In water Na+ and CN-=> weak conjugate acid and strong conjugate base
HCN is a weak acid.
In water they exist as: Na+, OH- and HCN.
=> Result: Basic
NB: strong conjugate acid or base have potential to capture OH- or H+ respectivelly. Thus the solution will become acidic (strong conjugate acid) or basic (strong conjugate base).