Chapter 14: Problem 70
For each salt, predict whether an aqueous solution has a pH less than, equal to, or greater than 7 . Explain your prediction. (a) \(\mathrm{AlCl}_{3}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{~S}\) (c) \(\mathrm{NaNO}_{3}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) pH < 7, (b) pH > 7, (c) pH = 7.
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the Salt Composition - AlCl3
Consider the ions that make up the salt \( \mathrm{AlCl}_{3} \). It dissociates into \( \mathrm{Al}^{3+} \) and \( \mathrm{Cl}^{-} \) in water. The \( \mathrm{Al}^{3+} \) ion can hydrolyze in water, forming \( \mathrm{Al(OH)}^{2+} \) and releasing \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \), which makes the solution acidic. \( \mathrm{Cl}^{-} \) does not affect the pH as it's a conjugate base of a strong acid (HCl).
02
Conclusion for AlCl3
Based on the hydrolysis of \( \mathrm{Al}^{3+} \), the solution will likely have a pH less than 7 because of the production of \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) ions.
03
Analyze the Salt Composition - Na2S
Next, consider \( \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{S} \). It dissociates into \( 2\mathrm{Na}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{S}^{2-} \) ions in water. The \( \mathrm{S}^{2-} \) ion can react with water in a hydrolysis reaction to form \( \mathrm{HS}^{-} \) and \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \), making the solution basic. \( \mathrm{Na}^{+} \) does not affect the pH as it is a cation of a strong base (NaOH).
04
Conclusion for Na2S
Due to the formation of \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \) ions, the aqueous solution of \( \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{S} \) will have a pH greater than 7.
05
Analyze the Salt Composition - NaNO3
Consider \( \mathrm{NaNO}_{3} \). It dissociates into \( \mathrm{Na}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-} \) in water. Both \( \mathrm{Na}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-} \) come from a strong base (NaOH) and a strong acid (HNO3), neither affects the pH significantly in water.
06
Conclusion for NaNO3
With no significant hydolysis from \( \mathrm{Na}^{+} \) or \( \mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-} \), the solution is neutral and will have a pH equal to 7.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis refers to a chemical process where a molecule reacts with water, causing it to break down into two or more parts. It’s a significant concept in predicting the pH of salt solutions. When certain ions undergo hydrolysis, they can change the pH of the solution. For example, when the ion
- \( \mathrm{Al}^{3+} \) hydrolyzes in water, it forms \( \mathrm{Al(OH)}^{2+} \) and releases \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) ions, making the solution acidic.
- Similarly, the ion \( \mathrm{S}^{2-} \) from \( \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{~S} \) reacts with water to produce \( \mathrm{HS}^{-} \) and \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \) ions, leading to a basic solution.
Acidic and Basic Solutions
Solutions are classified as acidic, neutral, or basic based on their pH level.
- An acidic solution has a pH less than 7, which occurs when there is an excess of \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) ions. For instance, \( \mathrm{AlCl}_{3} \) in water increases \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) due to the hydrolysis of \( \mathrm{Al}^{3+} \).
- On the other hand, a basic solution has a pH greater than 7, resulting from an excess of \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \) ions. This is the case with \( \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{S} \), as it generates \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \) through the hydrolysis of \( \mathrm{S}^{2-} \).
- A neutral solution has a pH of 7, like pure water. For example, \( \mathrm{NaNO}_{3} \) dissociates completely but does not alter the pH, leading to a neutral solution.
Dissociation in Water
Dissociation is a crucial concept in understanding how salts affect pH. When salts dissolve in water, they separate into their constituent ions.
- For example, \( \mathrm{AlCl}_{3} \) dissociates into \( \mathrm{Al}^{3+} \) and \( \mathrm{Cl}^{-} \) ions. Some of these ions can react with water molecules.
- Similarly, \( \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{~S} \) splits into \( 2\mathrm{Na}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{S}^{2-} \), and \( \mathrm{NaNO}_{3} \) into \( \mathrm{Na}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-} \).
- This dissociation process is essential for understanding the subsequent hydrolysis reactions that determine the pH of the solution.