Which of the following aqueous salt solutions will be acidic (pH < 7) as a result of cationic hydrol — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Acidic salt solutions are typically formed by the hydrolysis of salts derived from a strong acid and a weak base. Both $NH_4Cl$ and $CuSO_4$ undergo cationic hydrolysis ($NH_4^+$ and $Cu^{2+}$ react with water to release $H^+$), rendering the solution acidic. $K_2CO_3$ and $CH_3COONa$ are salts of strong bases and weak acids; they undergo anionic hydrolysis, making their solutions basic.