A.
Because it contains both hydrogen and hydroxide ions in equal amounts
B.
Because it contains hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in equal amounts
C.
Because it does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions
D.
Because it dissociates completely in water
Answer Explanation
Rationale for each choice:
A) Because it contains both hydrogen and hydroxide ions in equal amounts: This statement is incorrect. NaCl (sodium chloride) does not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) in water, not hydrogen or hydroxide ions.
B) Because it contains hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in equal amounts: This statement is incorrect. NaCl does not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions. In aqueous solution, NaCl dissociates into sodium ions and chloride ions, not hydrogen or hydroxide ions.
C) Because it does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions (Correct Answer): NaCl is a neutral compound composed of sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). It does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions, so it is neutral in aqueous solution.
D) Because it dissociates completely in water: NaCl does dissociate in water, but its dissociation does not involve the generation of hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It dissociates into sodium ions and chloride ions, which do not contribute to the pH of the solution. Therefore, the completeness of dissociation does not determine its neutrality.
