Q1. [1] § 2.1 UNDERSTANDING THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ACIDS AND BASES
Few drops of aqueous solution of ammonium chloride are put on a universal indicator paper. The paper turns pink. Study the following table and choose the correct option.
- (a) acidic | weak acid and strong base | less than 7
- (b) basic | weak acid and strong base | more than 7
- (c) acidic | strong acid and weak base | less than 7
- (d) basic | strong acid and strong base | 7
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 31/6/1 Q2
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:46 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(c) acidic | strong acid and weak base | less than 7
Ammonium chloride is a salt of HCl (strong acid) and NH₄OH (weak base). Its solution is acidic, turning universal indicator pink, with pH less than 7.
Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.3
Explanation
- Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is formed from HCl (strong acid) + NH₄OH (weak base) → acidic salt.
- Salts of strong acid + weak base give acidic solutions (pH < 7).
- Pink colour on universal indicator confirms acidic nature (pH slightly below 7).
- Option (a) is wrong because it pairs weak acid + strong base (that gives basic salt). Options (b) and (d) are eliminated as they suggest basic/neutral nature. Only option (c) is correct.
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