Textbook Question
Arrange the following 0.10 M solutions in order of increasing acidity: (i) NH4NO3, (ii) NaNO3, (iii) CH3COONH4, (iv) NaF, (v) CH3COONa.
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Ionic Salts
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In aqueous solution, is expected to behave as an acid, a base, or neither (i.e., form a neutral solution)?
A
Basic; it forms a basic solution because acts as a weak base in water
B
Amphoteric; it can act as both an acid and a base in water
C
Acidic; it forms an acidic solution because is the conjugate base of a weak acid
D
Neither; it forms a neutral solution because it is a salt of a strong acid and a strong base
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the components of KBr: it is composed of K\textsuperscript{+} (potassium ion) and Br\textsuperscript{−} (bromide ion).
Recall that KBr is a salt formed from the neutralization of KOH (a strong base) and HBr (a strong acid).
Understand that ions from strong acids and strong bases typically do not hydrolyze in water, meaning they do not react with water to change the pH.
Analyze the behavior of each ion: K\textsuperscript{+} is the cation of a strong base and does not act as an acid or base in water; Br\textsuperscript{−} is the conjugate base of a strong acid and is very weak, so it also does not affect the pH.
Conclude that since neither ion hydrolyzes, the solution remains neutral, so KBr forms a neutral solution in water.
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