Question

An aqueous solution of $C{{H}_{3}}COONa$ is:
(a)- Acidic
(b)- Basic
(c)- Amphoteric
(d)- Either basic or acidic

Answer 1

$C{{H}_{3}}COONa$ is a salt that is produced from a strong base called sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) and a weak acid called acetic acid ($C{{H}_{3}}COOH$). From this, we can predict the nature of the solution.

Complete step by step answer:
When salt is dissolved in water, we get an aqueous solution of salt and $C{{H}_{3}}COONa$ is salt.
So, the nature of the salt solution can be predicted on some generalization discussed below:
If the salt is made from a weak acid and a strong base then the resulting salt solution will be basic.
If the salt is made from a strong acid and a weak base then the resulting salt solution will be acidic.
If the salt is made from a strong acid and a strong base then the resulting salt solution will be amphoteric.
If the salt is made from a weak acid and a weak base then the resulting salt solution will be amphoteric.
The salt $C{{H}_{3}}COONa$ is made from a strong base called sodium hydroxide having formula ($NaOH$) and a weak acid called acetic acid having formula ($C{{H}_{3}}COOH$). This salt is formed by the elimination of the water molecule. The reaction is given below:
$NaOH+C{{H}_{3}}COOH\to C{{H}_{3}}COONa+{{H}_{2}}O$
So, the solution of $C{{H}_{3}}COONa$ will be basic in nature.

Therefore, the correct answer is an option (b)- Basic.

Note: The word amphoteric means that the compound can act as both acidic and basic according to the reaction condition. The solution is basic means it has high pH and the solution is acidic means it has low pH.