Salts

Salts are substances obtained by the reaction of acids and bases.

They are formed as a result of neutralization reactions.

For Example : The reaction of Hydrochloric acid (HCl) with the base Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) leads to the formation of the salt NaCl and water. This NaCl is the common salt we use in everyday life.

HCl (aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl (aq) + H ₂ O (l)

pH of Salts

1. Salts of Strong Acids and Strong Bases are neutral with a pH value of 7 .
   For Example:
   Strong acid HCl (Hydrochloric acid)  , when reacted with a strong base, NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)  , gives common salt NaCl. NaCl (Sodium Chloride) is a neutral salt with a pH of 7.
   
   
2. Salts of Strong Acids and Weak Bases are slightly acidic with a pH value of lesser than 7 . For Example: Strong acid , HCl (Hydrochloric acid) , when reacted with a weak base , NH ₄ OH (Ammonium Hydroxide), gives an acidic salt , NH ₄ Cl ( Ammonium Chloride).
   
   
3. Salts of Weak Acids and Strong Bases are slightly basic with a pH of greater than 7 . For Example: NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) , a strong base , when reacted with a weak acid , H ₂ CO ₃ (Carbonic acid) , gives a basic salt Na ₂ CO ₃ (Sodium Carbonate) which has a pH of higher than 7.