For the exclusive use of Chem 101L OTL Class in Xavier-Ateneo

Acids, Bases and Salts | Experiment 4

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Expt. 4 Acids, Bases and Salts

VI. Analysis

POST-LAB QUESTIONS: Limit your answers to 3-5 sentences only.

1. What are acid-base indicators? How do indicators work?

Acid- base indicators are chemicals used to quantify the acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity of an aqueous
solution. In the experiment we used litmus papers as indicators. They change color when they become
protonated or deprotonated. Litmus papers, basically, are used to identify whether a solution is acidic or
basic. Under acidic conditions, light blue litmus paper turns red, whereas under basic or alkaline
conditions, red litmus paper turns blue. _ _

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2. What is the purpose of using lime water during the reaction of the acid sample with the marble chip?

The purpose of lime water is to extract carbon dioxide. There is a change of color when carbon dioxide is
boiled through it – the reason why simple respirometer manifests more CO2 in exhaled air than inhaled
air. The outcome, which is the change of color of lime water, is due to the formation of the precipitate of
calcium carbonate that is caused by carbon dioxide. _ _

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Acids, Bases and Salts | Experiment 4

3. Based on the results, relate the strength of the acids and bases according to their positions in the
periodic table. What are the factors affecting the relative strength of acids and bases?

The relative strength of acids and base depends on the quantity of they are ionized. In solution, ions of a
strong acid or base entirely ionize. An acid and a base combine to form a salt during a neutralization
process. An ionic substance known as a salt has an anion derived from an acid and a base. _
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4. Discuss the principle of hydrolysis in relation to strength of acids and bases. How are acidic, basic,
and neutral salts formed?

Hydrolysis is a chemical process in which water molecules are added to a substance. Since water has the
capability to act as both an acid and a base, it can respond in either acidic and basic reactions. Acid
hydrolysis serves as a base to breakdown a weak acid. Acidic salts are formed by the neutralization
reaction between a strong acid and a weak base. While basic salts are formed when a strong base
interacts with a weak acid. And as for neutral salts, they are essentially neutralized by any strong acid
with a strong base. _

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5. Write the hydrolysis reaction of the following salts: (Note: Not all salts undergo hydrolysis reactions.)

Salt Hydrolysis Reaction

a) NaCl NaCl (s) → Na + (aq) + Cl (aq)

A strong acid and as strong base HCl and NaOH formed NCl. Salts and water have no
reaction as NCl does not undertake hydrolysis

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Acids, Bases and Salts | Experiment 4

CH3COO (aq) + H2O (I) → CH3COOH (aq) + OH

b) NaCH3COO
The solution becomes basic due to the Bronsted-Lowry base, acetate ion.
NH4 + (aq) + H2O (I) → NH3 (aq) + H3O + (aq)
c) NH4Cl
The acidity of the solution is caused by NH4+

IV. Conclusion.

In this experiment, we have used litmus paper, our acid base indicator, to determine whether a solution is
either acidic or basic - acidic, a substance that has a high pH, while basic, any solution that can accept a
hydrogen to form an acid. We determined that NCl is formed due to a strong base HCl and NaOH. The
solution of NACH3COO, on the other hand, became basic due to the acetate ion called as Bronsted-Lowry
base. While the acidity of the solution comprised of NH4 + (aq) + H2O (I) → NH3 (aq) + H3O + (aq) is caused
by NH4+

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