Question

Which substances given below produce a basic solution when dissolved in water?

NaCl

KOH

Sucrose

NH3

Vinegar

Suppose an everyday chemical reacts with vinegar. Is the substance more likely to be an acid or a base? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

ANSWER - Part A:

A basic solution is formed when the dissolution of one compound in water produces OH^- ions. The compounds that produces a basic solution are KOH and NH₃

• The NaCl is a salt. The dissolution of NaCl in water produces Na⁺ and Cl^- ions. Those ions does not modify the pH of solution

• The KOH is a basic compound. The dissolution of KOH in water produces K⁺ and OH^- ions. The presence of OH^- ions produces a basic solution

• Sucrose is a carbohydrate. This compound does not form OH^- ions in solution, then the obtained solution is not basic.

• The NH₃ reacts with water to form a basic solution (production of OH^- ions)

• Vinager = acetic acid. The acetic acid produces H⁺ ions (or H₃O⁺ ions) in solution, which acidify the solution

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ANSWER - Part B:

The vinager is an acid and acid compounds reacts with basic compounds. Then, if the everyday chemical reacts with vinager, the subatance is more llikely to be a base.