chem whatarethemechanismsofchemicalchange

Reactivity 3.1.12 - the pH of a salt solution depends on the relative strengths of the parent acid and base

see 3.1.10 and 3.1.11 acid and base dissociation constants (HL)

the salt formed in a neutralisation reaction is an ionic compound:

  • the cation is the conjugate acid of the parent base

  • the anion is the conjugate base from the parent acid

  • neutralisation reactions do not all form neutral aqueous solutions

  • the of a salt solution depends on whether and to what extent their ions react with water and hydrolyse it - releasing or ions

the relative strengths of the conjugate acids and bases in the salt determine the extent of hydrolysis reactions

salt of strong acid and strong base - no hydrolysis

the conjugate acid and the conjugate base are both weak, so there is virtually no hydrolysis of ions, and the is closer to neutral

salt of weak acid and strong base - anion hydrolysis

this is because the conjugate base of , a weak acid, is a strong base: , which causes the release of ions

salt of strong acid and weak base - cation hydrolysis

this is because the conjugate acid of the weak base is a strong acid and is able to cause hydrolysis. the release of ions decreases the

salt of weak acid and weak base

the salt formed has relatively strong conjugates and both carry out hydrolysis. the of the solution formed depends on the and of the acids and bases involved.

challenge questions
  1. formulate equations for reactions that produce the salt ammonium nitrate from its parent acid and base and deduce the of its solution.

    at high temperatures, solid decomposes to produce nitrogen, oxygen and water. formulate equations for this reaction and suggest why it can be explosive.

2 moles of solid releases 7 moles of gas, causes rapid expansion and increase in pressure. ignites easily.