Assertion (A): Ammonia solution is an alkali.Reason (R): Ammonia solu...
Ammonia solution, which is alkaline, turns the red litmus paper blue.
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Assertion (A): Ammonia solution is an alkali.Reason (R): Ammonia solu...
Assertion (A): Ammonia solution is an alkali.
Reason (R): Ammonia solution turns blue litmus paper red.
The correct answer to this question is option 'C', which states that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false. Let's understand why:
Ammonia solution is a weak base, not an alkali. It is a solution of ammonia gas (NH3) dissolved in water. Although ammonia solution can exhibit some basic properties, it is not considered a strong alkali like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH).
The reason given, that ammonia solution turns blue litmus paper red, is incorrect. In reality, ammonia solution does not change the color of blue litmus paper. It has a characteristic odor and can dissolve in water to form a slightly basic solution. However, this solution does not have the ability to turn blue litmus paper red.
Explanation:
1. Ammonia solution is a weak base:
- A base is a substance that can accept or donate a pair of electrons. It can neutralize an acid and forms a salt and water as a result.
- Ammonia (NH3) is a weak base because it can accept a proton (H+) to form the ammonium ion (NH4+). This reaction can be represented as NH3 + H+ → NH4+.
- Ammonia solution is formed when ammonia gas is dissolved in water. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
2. Alkali vs. base:
- Alkali refers specifically to a base that is soluble in water. It typically forms hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water.
- Examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
- These strong alkalis can turn blue litmus paper red, indicating their basic nature.
3. Ammonia solution and litmus paper:
- Litmus paper is a commonly used indicator to determine whether a substance is acidic or basic.
- Blue litmus paper turns red in the presence of an acid and remains blue in the presence of a base.
- Ammonia solution, being a weak base, does not have a strong enough basic nature to turn blue litmus paper red.
- Therefore, the reason given in the question is incorrect.
In conclusion, ammonia solution is a weak base, not an alkali. It does not turn blue litmus paper red. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
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