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Ch.16 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 16, Problem 102b,c,d,e

Determine if each salt will form a solution that is acidic, basic, or pH-neutral. b. C2H5NH3NO3 c. K2CO3 d. RbI e. NH4ClO

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<b>Step 1:</b> Identify the ions formed by each salt when dissolved in water. For example, C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> dissociates into C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>NH<sub>3</sub><sup>+</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>.
<b>Step 2:</b> Determine the nature of each ion. Check if the cation or anion is derived from a weak acid or weak base. For instance, C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>NH<sub>3</sub><sup>+</sup> is the conjugate acid of a weak base (ethylamine), and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> is the conjugate base of a strong acid (HNO<sub>3</sub>).
<b>Step 3:</b> Predict the pH effect of each ion. A cation that is the conjugate acid of a weak base will make the solution acidic, while an anion that is the conjugate base of a weak acid will make the solution basic. If both ions are from strong acids and bases, the solution is neutral.
<b>Step 4:</b> Apply this analysis to each salt: (b) C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> is acidic, (c) K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> is basic, (d) RbI is neutral, (e) NH<sub>4</sub>ClO is acidic.
<b>Step 5:</b> Summarize the results: Analyze the ions' origins and their effects on the solution's pH to determine if the solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.

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