You are given a sample of an unknown aqueous compound. After performing several test on the compound, you discover that it turns blue litmus paper red and that is reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is a base, to form water and sodium chloride (NaCl), which is a salt. As a result of your experimentation, you conclude that the unknown substance is what kind of compound?

A. an acid
B. an acid salt
C. a hydride
D. still unknown

Question

You are given a sample of an unknown aqueous compound. After performing several test on the compound, you discover that it turns blue litmus paper red and that is reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is a base, to form water and sodium chloride (NaCl), which is a salt. As a result of your experimentation, you conclude that the unknown substance is what kind of compound?

A. an acid
B. an acid salt 
C. a hydride
D. still unknown

Felicity · Answer

@Shadow I chose B i wanted to know if im right

Shadow · Answer

Blue litmus paper turns red in acidic conditions so we know it's at least the first two.

How did you conclude that it was a salt though?

Shadow · Answer

As far as I know, the salt comes from sodium hydroxide (NaOH), not the compound. It's likely A. But let me know if the assignment comes up with something else.

Felicity · Answer

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is salt. @Shadow

Felicity · Answer

@Shadow It shows the answer to be B in the Answer Key. So imma go with B