This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
ScanSolve AI Answer
Step 1: Analyze the properties of each nitrogen derivative when dissolved in water. A. N_2O (Nitrous oxide): This is a neutral oxide. It does not react with water to form an acid or a base. An aqueous solution of N_2O would have a pH of approximately 7. B. NO (Nitric oxide): This is also a neutral oxide. It does not react with water to form an acid or a base. An aqueous solution of NO would have a pH of approximately 7. C. NO_2 (Nitrogen dioxide): This is an acidic oxide. When nitrogen dioxide dissolves in water, it reacts to form nitric acid (HNO_3) and nitrous acid (HNO_2). The reaction is: 2NO_2(g) + H_2O(l) HNO_3(aq) + HNO_2(aq) Since both HNO_3 and HNO_2 are acids, the resulting aqueous solution will be acidic, meaning its pH will be less than 7. D. NaNO_3 (Sodium nitrate): This is a salt formed from a strong base (NaOH) and a strong acid (HNO_3). When dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na^+ and NO_3^- ions. Neither of these ions undergoes significant hydrolysis. Therefore, an aqueous solution of NaNO_3 is neutral, with a pH of approximately 7. Step 2: Identify the compound that forms an aqueous solution with a pH less than 7. Based on the analysis, NO_2 reacts with water to produce acids, resulting in a solution with a pH less than 7. The final answer is C