Acids/Bases/Neutral?

Question

how do i know if something is Acids/Bases/Neutral if i was giving the forumla?

Answer 1

First, if it has H in front, like HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, HC2H3O2, it's usually acid.

Second, if it has OH in back, like NaOH, Ca(OH)2 or Al(OH)3, it's usually base (alkali).

Third, if it has neither H not OH but other anions and cations, like NaNO3, MgCl2, (NH4)3PO4, it is often neutral.

But fourth, you'll just have to use brute force memorization and learn all the instances, especially the instances where interactions with water lead to unexpected acidity or basicity.