Step 1: Nature of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Sodium chloride is a salt produced by the neutralization of hydrochloric acid (a strong acid) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base).
Step 2: Dissolving NaCl in Water
Upon dissolution in distilled water, NaCl completely dissociates into Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. These ions do not hydrolyze, thus not altering the H⁺ or OH⁻ ion concentrations in the water.
Step 3: Solution pH
As the solution contains neutral ions and the H⁺ ion concentration is unchanged, the solution remains neutral.
Step 4: Conclusion
An aqueous solution of sodium chloride in distilled water has a pH of 7, signifying a neutral solution.
Final Answer:
7