State the difference between the following salts: deliquescent and hydrogen salt.

Deliquescent salts are salts that have a strong affinity for water and will absorb moisture from the air, eventually dissolving in the absorbed water to form a solution. On the other hand, hydrogen salts are salts that contain hydrogen ions (H+) in their chemical structure. These hydrogen ions can easily dissociate in water to form acidic solutions.

Deliquescent Salt

- Definition: A salt that readily absorbs moisture from the air and dissolves in its own water of hydration.
- Characteristics:
- Water molecules readily attach to the surface of the salt crystals.
- Becomes moist or liquid-like when exposed to air.
- Examples include calcium chloride (CaCl2) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3).

Hydrogen Salt

- Definition: A salt that contains a hydrogen ion (H+) in its chemical formula.
- Characteristics:
- When dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis, releasing hydrogen ions.
- Has an acidic pH when dissolved in water.
- Examples include ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3).

Key Differences:

- Water Absorption: Deliquescent salts absorb water from the air, while hydrogen salts do not.
- Dissolution: Deliquescent salts dissolve in their own water of hydration, while hydrogen salts dissolve by undergoing hydrolysis.
- pH in Water: Deliquescent salts have a neutral pH in water, while hydrogen salts have an acidic pH.