Question

What is the difference between the chemical nature of an aqueous solution of HCl and an aqueous solution of NH₃

Answer 1

The chemical nature of an aqueous solution of HCl and an aqueous solution of NH₃

1. The aqueous solution of HCl is acidic in nature. It can turn blue litmus to red.

2. The aqueous solution of NH₃ is basic in nature. It can turn red litmus to blue.

Answer 2

In its pure liquid state, HCl is unionised and does not conduct electricity. However, in aqueous solution, HCl is a good conductor of electric current, as the H+ ion interacts with water to create [H3O⁺].

\[\ce{H \phantom{.}^{\bullet}_{\bullet}\overset{\bullet\bullet}{\underset{\bullet\bullet}{Cl}}^{\bullet}_{\bullet}->[H2O][ionisation]H+ + \phantom{.}^{\bullet}_{\bullet}\overset{\bullet\bullet}{\underset{\bullet\bullet}{Cl}}^{\bullet}_{\bullet}}\]

\[\ce{H+ + H2O -> [HO+]}\]

Similarly, In an aqueous solution, NH3 acts as a weak alkali and dissociates partially.

\[\ce{NH4OH <=> [NH4+] +[OH-]}\]