A solution of potassium chloride has no effect on litmus whereas, a solution of zinc chloride turns the blue litmus red. Give a reason.

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Solution

A solution of potassium chloride has no effect on litmus. This indicates neutral solution. Potassium chloride is a salt of strong acid with strong base. Such salts do not undergo hydrolysis. They give neutral solution.
A solution of zinc chloride turns the blue litmus red. This indicates acidic solution. Zinc chloride is a salt of weak base and strong acid. On hydrolysis, these solutions give acidic solution as hydrogen ion concentration is higher than hydroxide ion concentration.
$Z n^{2 +} + 2 H_{2} O \to Z n (O H)_{2} + 2 H^{+}$

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The aqueous solution of one of the following salts will turn red litmus to blue. This salt is :

(a) potassium sulphate

(b) sodium sulphate

(d) potassium carbonate

The salt whose aqueous solution will turn blue litmus to red is :

(a) ammonium sulphate

(b) sodium acetate

(d) potassium carbonate

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