Predict whether aqueous solutions of the following substances are acidic, basic, or neutral: (c) NaClO

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the type of salt. NaClO is a salt, which is a product of a reaction between an acid and a base. In this case, NaClO is a product of the reaction between NaOH (a strong base) and HOCl (a weak acid).
2. Step 2: Determine the strength of the parent acid and base. The parent acid is HOCl and the parent base is NaOH. NaOH is a strong base and HOCl is a weak acid.
3. Step 3: Predict the behavior of the salt in water. Since NaOH is a strong base and HOCl is a weak acid, NaClO will produce more OH- ions than H+ ions when dissolved in water.
4. Step 4: Determine the pH of the solution. A solution with more OH- ions than H+ ions is basic, so a solution of NaClO in water will be basic.
5. Step 5: Final prediction. Therefore, an aqueous solution of NaClO is basic.

Key Concepts

Acid-Base Theory

Acid-base theory explains the behavior of substances in terms of their ability to donate protons (H+) or accept protons. According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, acids are proton donors, while bases are proton acceptors. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting the acidity or basicity of a solution.

Salt Hydrolysis

Salt hydrolysis occurs when an ionic compound dissolves in water and its ions interact with water molecules, potentially affecting the pH of the solution. In the case of NaClO, the sodium ion (Na+) is neutral, while the hypochlorite ion (ClO-) can react with water to form hypochlorous acid (HClO), influencing the solution's acidity.

pH Scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral. A solution is considered acidic if it has a pH less than 7 and basic if greater than 7. Understanding the pH scale is essential for determining the nature of the solution formed by the dissolution of substances like NaClO.