Question

Classify each cation as a weak acid or pH neutral (neither acidic nor basic).

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Na+ is pH neutral

b. Ni2+ = weak acid

c. NH4+ = Weak acid

Explanation:

To know the nature of the cation we need to find the nature of its conjugate base.

If the conjugate base of the ion is a strong base, the ion is neutral.

If the conjugate base is a weak base, the ion is a weak acid:

a. Conjugate base Na+ = NaOH

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base:

Na+ is pH neutral

b. Conjugate base Ni²⁺: Ni(OH)2 is a weak base because is not completely soluble in water. That means:

Ni2+ = weak acid

c. Conjugate base NH4+: NH4OH. Weak base:

NH4+ = Weak acid