The pH of 0.1 M solution of the following compounds increases in the order — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

HCl is a strong acid (lowest pH, highly acidic). $\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}$ is a salt of a strong acid and weak base, making it weakly acidic ($\text{pH} < 7$). NaCl is a salt of a strong acid and strong base, making it perfectly neutral ($\text{pH} = 7$). NaCN is a salt of a weak acid and strong base, making it basic ($\text{pH} > 7$). Therefore, the increasing order of pH is HCl < $\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}$ < NaCl < NaCN.