Question

By writing ionic equations, explain why.

i) An aqueous sodium carbonate solution is alkaline in character,

ii) An aqueous ammonium chloride solution is acidic in character,

iii) An aqueous potassium chloride solution in neutral in character?​

Answer 1

Answer:

(i) When sodium carbonate dissolves in water it dissociates into two sodium (Na+) ions and a carbonate (CO3–2) ion;-

Na2CO3 (s) —-> 2 Na+(aq) + CO3–2(aq)

then if we carbonate is added to water it liberates hydroxide ion making it a base.

CO3–2(aq) + H2O(l) ←-> HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq)

(ii) When ammonium chloride is in an aqueous solution

Ammonium chloride is a salt of a weak base ammonia and stronger acid HCl. It will undergo hydrolysis in water to produce H+ ions making it acidic. Hydrolysis of NH4+ ion produces a weak base and hydrogen ions , which makes it aqueous solution acidic.

Explanation: