Question

Question #42a55

Answer 1

To determine, you look at the strength of the underlying acid and base. The stronger one defines the pH of the salt.

`NaCl` strong acid (`HCl`) and strong base (`NaOH`)
Result: neutral

`NaHCO_3` weak acid (`H_2CO_3`) strong base (`NaOH`), but with extra (acidic) `H`. Result slightly alkalinic (`pH~~8.5`)

`Ca_3(PO_4)_2` hardly soluable. Result: near neutral

`NH_4Cl` strong acid (`HCl`), weak base (`NH_4OH`)
Result: acidic (but not very much so -- we eat it!)

`CH_3COOK` (potassium acetate) weak acid, strong base (`KOH`)
Result: alkalic (but not very)

One more example:
`Na_2CO_3` (washing soda) is very alkalinic (why?).