Classify these salts as acidic, basic, or neutral?

The question is –

Classify these salts as acidic, basic, or neutral?

NH₄ClO₄
K₂CO₃
KCl
LiNO₃
NaF
NaCN
Na₂S
K₃PO₄
LiClO₄
K₂SO₃
LiBr

Solution:

In chemistry, salt is a substance obtained by the neutralization of acid compounds with base compounds. Salt is made up of a cation(base) and an anion(acid), the bond between a cation and anion is ionic, hence it is also called an ionic compound.

There are three types of salts formed in the neutralization reaction “Acidic salt”, “Basic salt”, and “Neutral salt”.

Acidic salt: Acidic salt is formed when a neutralization reaction carries out between strong acid and a weak base.

Basic salt: A basic salt is formed when a neutralization reaction carries out between a strong base and weak acid.

Neutral salt: This salt has a pH value equal to 7 which means it neither has acidic properties nor basic properties. It is formed when a neutralization reaction carries out between a strong acid and a strong base or weak acid and a weak base.

Now check all the salts whether they classify as acidic, basic, or neutral.

⇒ NH₄ClO₄

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the strong acid (HClO₄) with a weak base (NH₃). Hence, NH₄ClO₄ is an acidic salt.

⇒ K₂CO₃

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the weak acid (H₂CO₃) with a strong base (KOH). Hence, K₂CO₃ is a basic salt.

⇒ KCl

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the strong acid (HCl) with a strong base(KOH). Hence, KCl is a neutral salt.

⇒ LiNO₃

It is made from the neutralization of strong acid (HNO₃) and strong base (LiOH). Hence, LiNO₃ is a neutral salt.

⇒ NaF

It is formed from the neutralization of a strong base (NaOH), and a weak acid (HF). Hence, NaF is a basic salt.

⇒ NaCN

It is formed from the neutralization of a strong base, namely Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and a weak acid (HCN). Hence, NaCN is a basic salt.

⇒ Na₂S

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the weak acid (H₂S) with a strong base (NaOH). Hence, Na₂S is a basic salt.

⇒ K₃PO₄

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the weak acid (H₃PO₄) with a strong base(KOH). Hence, K₃PO₄ is a basic salt.

⇒ LiClO₄

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the strong acid (HClO₄) with a strong base (LiOH). Hence, LiClO4 is a neutral salt.

⇒ K₂SO₃

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the weak acid (H₂SO₃) with a strong base (KOH). Hence, K₂SO₃ is a basic salt.

⇒ LiBr

It is made from the neutralization reaction of the strong acid (HBr) with a strong base(LiOH). Hence, LiBr is a neutral salt.

Classify the salts as acidic, basic, or neutral.
Acidic salt	Basic salt	Neutral salt
NH₄ClO₄	K₂CO₃ NaF NaCN Na₂S K₃PO₄ K₂SO₃	LiNO₃ KCl LiClO₄ LiBr

Also check –
How to tell if acid or base is strong or weak?
How to tell if something is an acidic, basic, salt, or neutral?

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Vishal Goyal

Vishal Goyal is the founder of Topblogtenz, a comprehensive resource for students seeking guidance and support in their chemistry studies. He holds a degree in B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) and has four years of experience as a chemistry tutor. The team at Topblogtenz includes experts like experienced researchers, professors, and educators, with the goal of making complex subjects like chemistry accessible and understandable for all. A passion for sharing knowledge and a love for chemistry and science drives the team behind the website. Let's connect through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-goyal-2926a122b/

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Classify these salts as acidic, basic, or neutral?