Ammonia (NH3) is a weak base, meaning that it can accept protons (H+) from water molecules to form ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). This reaction increases the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, making it alkaline. Therefore, a solution of ammonia is alkaline due to the presence of hydroxide ions.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 4 weeks ago
Explanation:
When ammonia (NH3) dissolves in water, it undergoes a chemical reaction with water molecules to form ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-):
NH3 + H2O → NH4+ + OH-
The hydroxide ions (OH-) react with hydrogen ions (H+) in water to form water molecules (H2O), making the solution alkaline:
OH- + H+ → H2O
Increased pH:
The presence of hydroxide ions increases the pH of the solution. The pH scale measures the concentration of H+ ions in a solution, with a lower pH indicating a higher concentration of H+ ions (acidic) and a higher pH indicating a lower concentration of H+ ions (alkaline).
Basic Properties:
Ammonium ions (NH4+) are also weak acids. However, in aqueous solutions, the reaction between NH3 and water produces more hydroxide ions than hydronium ions (H3O+), resulting in an alkaline solution.
Therefore, a solution of ammonia is alkaline because the reaction of ammonia with water produces hydroxide ions, which increase the pH and make the solution basic.