Question

Fill in the blanks by using correct words/terms given in the brackets

An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride has _____ nature. (acidic/basic)

Answer 1

Dissociation of a salt:

Salt is an ionic compound that dissociates in solution. It exists in the cationic and anionic forms. The acidic and basic nature of salt is determined by the acid and base from which it is formed.

Dissociation of Ammonium chloride:

A salt formed from a strong acid and a weak base is acidic in nature due to cationic hydrolysis. When Ammonium chloride $\left({\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{Cl}\right)$ dissolves in water, Ammonium ions and Chloride ions are formed as:

$$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{Cl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right) \\ \mathrm{Ammonium}\mathrm{Chloride} \\ \mathrm{ions}\mathrm{ions} \end{gathered}$$

The ammonium ions react with water molecules to form protons, which makes the solution acidic. This is called cationic hydrolysis.

Therefore, an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride has acidic nature.