Question

You have three aqueous solutions A, B, and C as given below: 
A - Potassium nitrate 
B - Ammonium chloride 
C - Sodium carbonate 
The ascending order of the pH of these solutions is:

• A. A $<$ B $<$ C
• B. B $<$ C $<$ A
• C. C $<$ A $<$ B
• D. B $<$ A $<$ C
  {5pt}

Hint:

When a salt is formed from a weak acid and a strong base, it is basic in nature. When formed from a strong acid and a weak base, it is acidic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Solution Characteristics.
- Potassium nitrate (A): Neutral salt, pH near 7.
- Ammonium chloride (B): Acidic salt, pH less than 7.
- Sodium carbonate (C): Basic salt, pH greater than 7.
Step 2: pH Ranking. The ascending order of pH is C < A < B, matching option (C).