Classify nacl as a neutral, acidic, or basic salt.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is classified as a neutral salt.
Explanation:
NaCl is formed from the reaction of a strong acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide, NaOH). During this neutralization reaction, HCl and NaOH completely dissociate into their respective ions in water:
[
\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{Cl}^-
]
[
\text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{OH}^-
]
When these ions combine, they form NaCl and water:
[
\text{H}^+ + \text{OH}^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}
]
[
\text{Na}^+ + \text{Cl}^- \rightarrow \text{NaCl}
]
Why NaCl is Neutral:
- Complete Dissociation: NaCl fully dissociates into ( \text{Na}^+ ) and ( \text{Cl}^- ) in aqueous solution. Neither of these ions reacts with water to significantly alter the ( \text{H}^+ ) or ( \text{OH}^- ) concentration.
- Strong Parent Acid and Base: The acid (HCl) and base (NaOH) that form NaCl are both strong electrolytes, meaning they completely ionize in water. Their neutralizing effects cancel each other out.
- No Hydrolysis: The ( \text{Na}^+ ) ion does not hydrolyze because sodium is a Group 1 metal, and its ions do not react with water. Similarly, ( \text{Cl}^- ) does not hydrolyze because it is the conjugate base of a strong acid, HCl, which is weak and does not reclaim protons from water.
pH of NaCl Solution:
When dissolved, NaCl produces a solution with a pH of approximately 7 (neutral), indicating no acidic or basic influence.
Key Distinction:
NaCl differs from salts formed by weak acids or bases, which can hydrolyze and create acidic or basic solutions. For example, sodium acetate (from a weak acid) is basic, and ammonium chloride (from a weak base) is acidic. NaCl, being derived from both strong acid and base, remains neutral.