Question

One of the following salts will give an alkaline solution on dissolving in water. This is:

Options

• Na₂CO₃

• Na₂SO₄

• NaCl

• (NH₄)₂SO₄

Answer 1

Na₂CO₃

Explanation:

The Na₂CO₃ is formed from a weak acid, carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), and a strong base, sodium hydroxide (NaOH). On dissolving in water, Na₂CO₃ hydrolyses to form more OH^- ions than H⁺ ions. Therefore, its aqueous solution is basic (alkaline), with a pH greater than 7.