Q. Which of the following salts will produce a basic solution when dissolved in water?
✅ Correct Answer: (C)
Na2CO3
Explanation: Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) contains the carbonate ion CO3^2-, which is the conjugate base of the weak acid HCO3^- / H2CO3, so it hydrolyzes to produce OH- leading to a basic solution. NH4Cl contains NH4+ (acidic) and Cl- (neutral) so the solution is acidic. NaCl and KNO3 are salts of strong acids and strong bases (neutral ions) and produce neutral solutions (approximately pH 7).
Explanation by: Sikhar Chaudhary
Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) contains the carbonate ion CO3^2-, which is the conjugate base of the weak acid HCO3^- / H2CO3, so it hydrolyzes to produce OH- leading to a basic solution. NH4Cl contains NH4+ (acidic) and Cl- (neutral) so the solution is acidic. NaCl and KNO3 are salts of strong acids and strong bases (neutral ions) and produce neutral solutions (approximately pH 7).