Question 1
Which of the following correctly defines a salt in chemistry?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answerCorrect!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
Choose a solution method
Method #1Direct ApproachStep 1: Recall the definition
A salt is specifically defined as an ionic compound formed in a neutralisation reaction where H⁺ from an acid is replaced by a metal ion (or NH₄⁺).
Step 2: Check this choice
The choice “An ionic compound formed when the H⁺ ion from an acid is replaced by a metal ion or ammonium ion” states exactly this — 'H⁺ ion from an acid is replaced by a metal ion or ammonium ion'. This matches the definition.
Step 3: Reject other options
DA covalent compound produced when two acids react togetherThe choice “Any white crystalline solid that dissolves in water” is too broad (many non-salt compounds are white and soluble). The choice “A compound formed only when a metal reacts with oxygen” only describes metal oxides. The choice “A covalent compound produced when two acids react together” incorrectly describes salt formation as involving two acids.
Step 4: Select the answer
The choice “An ionic compound formed when the H⁺ ion from an acid is replaced by a metal ion or ammonium ion” is the only chemically accurate definition of a salt.
Method #2Process of EliminationStep 1: Eliminate this choice
Not all white crystalline solids are salts — sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁) is white and crystalline but is not a salt. This definition is far too broad.
Step 2: Eliminate this choice
Metal + oxygen → metal oxide, not a salt. Salts require an acid to be involved in their formation.
Step 3: Eliminate this choice
Two acids reacting do not produce a salt — they would not neutralise each other. Salts come from acid + base reactions.
Step 4: Confirm this choice
Only the choice “An ionic compound formed when the H⁺ ion from an acid is replaced by a metal ion or ammonium ion” correctly captures the essential feature: H⁺ replacement by a metal/ammonium ion in an acid-base reaction.
Question 2
What is the name of the salt produced when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answerCorrect!IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
Choose a solution method
Method #1Direct ApproachStep 1: Identify the acid's anion
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) produces chloride salts. The anion is Cl⁻, so the salt's name ends in 'chloride'.
Step 2: Identify the metal cation
The metal is magnesium (Mg²⁺), so the cation part of the name is 'magnesium'.
Step 3: Combine cation and anion names
Salt name = magnesium + chloride = magnesium chloride. Formula: MgCl₂ (two Cl⁻ to balance Mg²⁺).
Step 4: Select the answer
Magnesium chloride is the correct salt produced.
Method #2Process of EliminationStep 1: Eliminate magnesium oxide
AMagnesium oxideMgO is produced when magnesium burns in oxygen, not when it reacts with an acid.
Step 2: Eliminate magnesium sulfate
CMagnesium sulfateSulfate salts come from sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), not hydrochloric acid.
Step 3: Eliminate magnesium hydroxide
DMagnesium hydroxideMg(OH)₂ is a base — it is a reactant, not a product of this reaction.
Step 4: Confirm magnesium chloride
HCl always gives chloride salts, so magnesium + HCl must give magnesium chloride (MgCl₂).
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