Tuesday, January 11, 2011

What word is used to describe a solution that is neither acid nor salt?

A solution which is neither an acid nor a salt is a base. When we mix an acid and a base, we obtain a salt. 


Acids are compounds that can donate a hydrogen ion when mixed in a solution. For example, hydrochloric acid (chemical formula: HCl) dissociates into a hydrogen ion and chloride ion when dissolved in water. Acids change the color of blue litmus paper to red.


Bases are compounds that can donate a hydroxide ion when mixed in a solution. For example, sodium hydroxide (chemical formula: NaOH) dissociates into a sodium ion and a hydroxide ion when dissolved in water. A base changes the color of red litmus paper to blue.


When we mix an acid and bases, say hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, we get sodium chloride, which is a salt.


NaOH + HCl -> NaCl + H2O


Thus, we can classify solutions into acids, bases and salts; something which is neither acid nor salt can be termed a base.


Hope this helps. 

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