Quote:
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Originally Posted by LaCe Does anyone know why this happens?
eg. in a strong acid + weak base, the anion of the conjugate acid (of the weak base) acts as an acid and therefore the salt is acidic. Follow? Is this true? |
A strong acid forms a weak conjugate base, and a strong base forms a weak conjugate acid.
When a
strong acid reacts with a
strong base, both conjugate acid and base are weak, therefore the salt solution is
neutral.
When a
weak acid reacts with a
weak base, both conjugate acid and base are strong, therefore the salt solution is
neutral.
When a
strong acid reacts with a
weak base, the conjugate base is weak, therefore the pH of the salt solution leans to the
left of 7.
When a
weak acid reacts with a
strong base, the conjugate acid is weak, therefore the pH of the salt solution leans to the
right of 7.
I'm quite sure I'm not wrong, hope that wasn't too confusing.
