Chapter 14, Problem 1SAQ

Which substance is most likely to have a bitter taste?

a. HCL(aq)

b. NaCl(aq)

c. NaOh(aq)

d. none of the above

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Amongst the given substances, the substance which is most likely to have bitter taste is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Acids are those substances which release ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$ ions in the solution and bases are those which release ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions. Acids taste sour while bases are bitter in taste.

Answer to Problem 1SAQ

Correct answer: $\text{NaOH}$ is most likely to have a bitter taste.

Thus, option (c) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reasons for the correct option: $\text{NaOH}\left(aq\right)$ is a base and releases ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions in the solution. The chemical equation can be written as:

$\text{NaOH}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{Na}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{OH}}^{\text{-}}\left(aq\right)$

Bases contain alkaloids which are sometimes poisonous in nature and have bitter taste. So, our disinclination towards bitter taste is to avoid these poisonous substances. As $\text{NaOH}\left(aq\right)$ is a base, so it has a bitter taste.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect option: Option (a) is incorrect because $\text{HCl}\left(aq\right)$ is a strong acid not a base, so it cannot have a bitter taste.

Option (b) is incorrect because $\text{NaCl}\left(aq\right)$ is a salt and is prepared by neutralization reaction between an acid and a base.

Option (d) is incorrect because option (c) is correct as $\text{NaOH}\left(aq\right)$ is a base and has a bitter taste.

Hence, option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect.