Answer
This salt is acidic.
Work Step by Step
1. Analyze each type of ion in this salt, and determine which is stronger.
- $C_6H_5N{H_3}^+$:
- Weak bases have weak acids as conjugate pair.
- $C_6H_5N{H_3}^+$ is the conjugate acid of $C_6H_5N{H_2}$, which is a weak base.
- $C_6H_5N{H_3}^+$: Weak acid.
- $N{O_2}^-$
- Weak acids have weak bases as conjugate pair.
- $N{O_2}^-$ is the conjugate base of $HNO_2$, which is a weak acid.
- $N{O_2}^-$: weak base.
They both are weak electrolytes, so we will have to compare its constants values:
- We don't have their constants values, but we can compare the values for its conjugate pairs:
$K_b C_6H_5N{H_2} : 3.9 \times 10^{-10}$
$K_a HNO_2: 4.6 \times 10^{-4}$
- $HNO_2$ is stronger.
- Based on the $Ka$ - $K_b$ relation for conjugate pair, we know that, the stronger electrolyte will have the weaker conjugate pair.
- So: $N{O_2}^-$ is the weaker ion.
- Therefore, $C_6H_5N{H_3}^+$ is the stronger electrolyte.
- Since $C_6H_5N{H_3}^+$ is an acid, this salt will be acidic.
