A solution of a salt formed from a weak acid and a strong base is typically what kind of solution?

A solution of a salt formed from a weak acid and a strong base is typically what kind of solution?

• A. Acidic
• B. Basic
• C. Neutral
• D. Unstable

Answer: (B)

A salt from a weak acid and a strong base yields a basic solution. The cation from the strong base is essentially a spectator and does not affect pH, while the anion, being the conjugate base of a weak acid, reacts with water: A− + H2O ⇌ HA + OH−. This hydrolysis produces hydroxide ions, raising the pH of the solution. A common example is sodium acetate from acetic acid and sodium hydroxide, where the acetate ion hydrolyzes to form OH− and acetic acid, making the solution basic.

A salt from a weak acid and a strong base yields a basic solution. The cation from the strong base is essentially a spectator and does not affect pH, while the anion, being the conjugate base of a weak acid, reacts with water: A− + H2O ⇌ HA + OH−. This hydrolysis produces hydroxide ions, raising the pH of the solution. A common example is sodium acetate from acetic acid and sodium hydroxide, where the acetate ion hydrolyzes to form OH− and acetic acid, making the solution basic.