Question

The pH of 0.1 M solutions of the following salts increases in the order:

(a) NaCl < NH₄Cl < NaCN < HCl
(b) HCl < NH₄Cl < NaCl < NaCN
(c) NaCN < NH₄Cl < NaCl < HCl
(d) HCl < NaCl < NaCN < NH₄Cl

Answer 1

(b) HCl < NH₄Cl < NaCl < NaCN

NaCl = neutral (pH = 7); NH₄Cl = slightly acidic (pH < 7); NaCN = basic (pH > 7); HCl = strongly acidic (pH << 7).