Question:

Which of the following aqueous salt solutions is acidic?

Show Hint

A salt of a strong acid and a weak base gives an acidic solution through hydrolysis of the cation.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Sodium chloride
  • Ammonium nitrate
  • Potassium cyanide
  • Sodium carbonate
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The nature of a salt solution depends on the strength of the parent acid and base.

Step 2: Check each salt
Sodium chloride (strong acid and strong base) is neutral.
Potassium cyanide and sodium carbonate (weak acid and strong base) are basic because the anions hydrolyse to give \(\text{OH}^{-}\).
Ammonium nitrate comes from the strong acid \(\text{HNO}_3\) and the weak base \(\text{NH}_4\text{OH}\).

Step 3: Hydrolysis
\(\text{NH}_4^{+}+\text{H}_2\text{O}\rightleftharpoons\text{NH}_3+\text{H}_3\text{O}^{+}\), so \(\text{H}_3\text{O}^{+}\) increases and the solution is acidic.

Final Answer:
Ammonium nitrate gives an acidic solution. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Ammonium nitrate}} \]
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