Question

A salt X when dissolved in distilled water gives a clear solution which turns red litmus blue. Explain the phenomenon.

Answer 1

When salt X is dissolved in distilled water, it produces a solution that turns red litmus paper blue, indicating the solution is basic (alkaline). This happens because salt X is formed from a strong base and a weak acid. In water, the salt anion undergoes hydrolysis, producing OH⁻ ions and making the solution basic. Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) dissolved in water gives a basic solution and turns red litmus blue.