Chapter 21, Problem 2RAT

Water is formed from the reaction of an acid and a base. Why is it not classified as a salt?

(a) Not all acid-base reactions produce a salt, as in the case with the formation of water.

(b) The attraction between the two ions in water molecules are too strong.

(c) By definition, a salt must be able to dissolve in water, so water itself cannot be called a salt.

(d) A salt is an ionic compound, whereas water is a covalent compound.

To determine

The correct option for the statement “Water is formed from the reaction of an acid and a base. Why is it not classified as a salt?”

Answer to Problem 2RAT

The correct option for the statement “Water is formed from the reaction of an acid and a base. Why is it not classified as a salt?” is option (d).

Explanation of Solution

The acid and base react with each other and the reaction is termed as neutralization reaction. It is because they neutralize each other.

The products of neutralization reaction are salt and water. The salt is an ionic compound. The water is a covalent compound.

As the water is not an ionic compound, it is not considered as a salt.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “Water is formed from the reaction of an acid and a base. Why is it not classified as a salt?” is option (d).