Chapter 16, Problem 16.71QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A certain salt, $\text{MX}$ (containing the ${\text{M}}^{\text{+}}$ and ${\text{X}}^{\text{-}}$ ions), is dissolved in water, and the pH of the resulting solution is 7.0.  The strengths of the acid and the base from which the salt is derived has to be explained.

Concept Information:

When an acid and base reacts together to give salt and water, the reaction is termed as neutralization reaction. The product of the neutralization reaction will be always a salt and water molecule.

If a solution is said to be neutral its pH will be equal to 7.  The strength of acid and base decides the pH of the neutralized solution.

pH scale

The acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution was called using a numerical scale called pH scale.

Based on pH of the solution, salt solutions can be classified as

• Acidic        -    (pH will be less than seven)
• Basic         -    (pH will be more than seven)
• Neutral     -    (pH will be equal to seven)

To Explain: A certain salt, $\text{MX}$ (containing the ${\text{M}}^{\text{+}}$ and ${\text{X}}^{\text{-}}$ ions), is dissolved in water, and the pH of the resulting solution is 7.0. The strengths of the acid and the base from which the salt is derived