Problem 27 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Give three example solutions that fit each of the following descriptions. a. a strong electrolyte solution that is very acidic b. a strong electrolyte solution that is slightly acidic c. a strong electrolyte solution that is very basic d. a strong electrolyte solution that is slightly basic e. a strong electrolyte solution that is neutral

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Examples of strong electrolyte solutions based on the pH scale: a. Very acidic: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution b. Slightly acidic: Buffer solution containing acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium acetate (CH3COONa) c. Very basic: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution d. Slightly basic: Buffer solution containing ammonia (NH3) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) e. Neutral: Dissolved salt solutions such as sodium chloride (NaCl) or potassium chloride (KCl)

Step 1: Choosing the right scale for pH values

Before we provide examples, let us understand the pH scale which ranges from 0 to 14. Solutions with pH values lower than 7 are considered acidic, with 0 being very acidic, whereas solutions with pH values higher than 7 are considered basic (alkaline), with 14 being very basic. Solutions with a pH of 7 are considered neutral. Now we will provide examples based on the given descriptions:

Step 2: Example for a strong electrolyte solution that is very acidic

For a strong electrolyte solution to be very acidic, its pH value should be closer to 0. A common example for a strong electrolyte solution that is very acidic is: 1. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution: HCl is a strong acid and completely dissociates in water, making the solution very acidic.

Step 3: Example for a strong electrolyte solution that is slightly acidic

For a strong electrolyte solution to be slightly acidic, its pH value should be between 6 and 7. An example for a strong electrolyte solution that is slightly acidic: 2. Buffer solution containing a mix of a weak acid (acetic acid, CH3COOH) and its conjugate base (sodium acetate, CH3COONa): This solution maintains a pH between 6 and 7, making it slightly acidic.

Step 4: Example for a strong electrolyte solution that is very basic

For a strong electrolyte solution to be very basic, its pH value should be closer to 14. An example for a strong electrolyte solution that is very basic: 3. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution: NaOH is a strong base and completely dissociates in water, making the solution very basic.

Step 5: Example for a strong electrolyte solution that is slightly basic

For a strong electrolyte solution to be slightly basic, its pH value should be between 7 and 8. An example for a strong electrolyte solution that is slightly basic: 4. Buffer solution containing a mix of a weak base (ammonia, NH3) and its conjugate acid (ammonium chloride, NH4Cl): This solution maintains a pH between 7 and 8, making it slightly basic.

Step 6: Example for a strong electrolyte solution that is neutral

For a strong electrolyte solution to be neutral, its pH value should be exactly 7. A common example for a strong electrolyte solution that is neutral is: 5. A fully dissolved salt solution: When sodium chloride (NaCl) or potassium chloride (KCl) dissolves in water, the solution will have a pH close to 7, making it neutral.