Question

Explain the following:
An aqueous solution of the salt ammonium chloride is acidic in nature while an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is neutral. Why?

Answer 1

$$\textbf{Concept: }$$ Acidic solution are those solution which produce $$H^+$$ ion in aqueous solution.

• Ammonium chloride is a salt of weak base and strong acid. It undergo salt hydrolysis to produce $$H^+$$ ions.
• Sodium chloride is a salt of strong acid and strong base. It does not undergo salt hydrolysis. Thus it is neutral in nature.