TeXes Science Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of an acid salt?

1. NaH2PO4

2. NaHSO3

3. NaHCO3

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

An acid salt is a type of salt that still retains some acidic properties and is typically formed from the partial neutralization of a polyprotic acid. Each of the given options represents a different acid salt that fits this definition. The first choice, NaH2PO4, is a salt derived from phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and retains one hydrogen ion, demonstrating its acidic characteristics. The presence of the hydrogen ion indicates that it can still exhibit acidic behavior, especially when dissolved in water. The second option, NaHSO3, is derived from sulfurous acid (H2SO3) and contains one hydrogen ion, making it another example of an acid salt. It similarly retains acidic properties, which can be observed in its reaction with water. NaHCO3, commonly known as baking soda, is a salt formed from carbonic acid (H2CO3) through partial neutralization. The inclusion of one hydrogen ion shows that it too has residual acidic characteristics. Since all three compounds show properties of acid salts by retaining one or more acidic protons, the most comprehensive answer is that all of the provided options are indeed examples of acid salts.