Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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![**Question 2:** Are solutions of ammonium chloride acidic, basic, or neutral? Explain.
**Explanation:**
Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a salt that dissolves in water to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). The ammonium ion is derived from a weak base (ammonia, NH₃), and chloride is derived from a strong acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl).
In water, the ammonium ion can donate a proton (H⁺) to water, forming hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and ammonia:
\[ \text{NH}_4^+ + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{NH}_3 + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \]
This reaction causes the solution to release more hydronium ions, making it acidic.
Therefore, solutions of ammonium chloride are acidic.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F7fcffe20-88c0-46a7-a9a5-147a481f673b%2F6bb924ee-2e9b-4a84-9d11-adbe99281816%2F6uimn6o_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 2:** Are solutions of ammonium chloride acidic, basic, or neutral? Explain.
**Explanation:**
Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a salt that dissolves in water to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). The ammonium ion is derived from a weak base (ammonia, NH₃), and chloride is derived from a strong acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl).
In water, the ammonium ion can donate a proton (H⁺) to water, forming hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and ammonia:
\[ \text{NH}_4^+ + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{NH}_3 + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \]
This reaction causes the solution to release more hydronium ions, making it acidic.
Therefore, solutions of ammonium chloride are acidic.
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