salts

What is a salt?

An ionic compound formed when the hydrogen ion (H⁺) from an acid is replaced by a metal ion or another cation.

What are the components of a salt?

A salt consists of a cation (positive ion) and an anion (negative ion).

How is a salt formed from an acid and a metal?

Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen Gas, e.g., HCl + Zn → ZnCl₂ + H₂.

Describe the neutralization reaction that forms a salt.

Acid + Base → Salt + Water, e.g., HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O.

How do salts form from acid and carbonate?

Acid + Carbonate → Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide, e.g., 2HCl + CaCO₃ → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂.

What is a normal salt?

A salt formed when all the H⁺ ions in an acid are completely replaced by metal or ammonium ions.

What are acidic salts?

Salts formed when not all the H⁺ ions are replaced in a diprotic or triprotic acid, e.g., sodium hydrogen sulfate (NaHSO₄).

What is the solubility rule for nitrates?

All nitrates (NO₃⁻) are soluble in water.

Which chlorides are generally insoluble?

Silver chloride (AgCl) and lead(II) chloride (PbCl₂) are exceptions to the general solubility of chlorides.

How are soluble salts prepared?

By neutralization reactions, acid with excess insoluble base/metal, or acid with soluble carbonate/alkali.

What method is commonly used to prepare soluble salts?

Titration for preparing salts from acids and alkalis.

Describe the process of salt crystallization.

Prepare the solution, filter to remove impurities, evaporate the solvent, and allow crystals to form.

What is a hydrated salt?

A salt that contains water of crystallization, e.g., CuSO₄·5H₂O.

What occurs during the hydrolysis of salts?

Some salts react with water to form acidic or basic solutions.

How can you test for chloride ions in a salt solution?

Add silver nitrate (AgNO₃); the formation of a white precipitate indicates chloride ions.

What type of salts are formed from a strong acid and a weak base?

Acidic salts, e.g., NH₄Cl.

What flame color indicates the presence of sodium?

A yellow flame indicates sodium ions.

What are the main uses of common salt (NaCl)?

Used in cooking and food preservation.

What is the outcome of heating ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl)?

It releases ammonia gas (NH₃) when heated.