Uses of salts in daily life

Classification based on nature of salts:

(A) Neutral salt solutions: The solution of a salt formed by neutralisation of a strong acid with a strong base is neutral in nature. Such solutions do not change the colour of litmus solution.

e.g. NaCI, KCI, NaNO 3 , Na 2 SO 4 etc.

(B) Acidic salt solutions:

The solution of a salt formed by neutralisation of a strong acid with a weak base is acidic in nature. Such solutions change the colour of blue litmus solution to red.

e.g. (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 ,NH 4 Cl etc.

In both these salts, the base NH 4 OH weak while the acids H 2 SO 4 and HCI are strong.

(C) Basic salt solutions :

The solution of a salt formed by neutralisation of a weak acid with a strong base is basic in nature. Such solutions change the colour of red litmus solution to blue.

e.g. Na 2 CO 3 , K 3 PO 4 etc.

In both the salts, bases NaOH and KOH are strong while the acids H 2 CO 3 and H 3 PO 4 are weak.

USES OF SALTS  IN DALIY LIFE

• Common salt : It is used in large amount as table salt. It is used for preservation of food in pickling. It is used to preserve raw hides. It is used in the manufacture of chemicals such as chlorine and caustic soda (NaOH).
• Baking soda : It is used for making baking powder. It is used for preparing antacid tablets, for controlling acidity of stomach.
• Washing soda : It is used by washermen to wash clothes. It is used in manufacture of  glass and caustic soda. It is used in fire extinguishers. It is used in the manufacture of detergents.
• Chile saltpetre : It is used in the manufacture of nitric acid, gun powder and fire works.
• Nitre : It is used as a fertiliser. It is also used in the manufacture of gun powder, fire works and nitric acid.
• Smelling salt : It provides relief from common cold.
• Epsom salt : It is used as a laxative by patients suffering from constipation.
• Green vitriol: It is used in making blue black inks and in curing leather.
• Blue vitriol : It is used as fungicide in agriculture. It is used in dyeing and printing industry. It is used in electroplating copper metal.
• Plaster of Paris : It is used for making statues. It is used for setting broken bones.
• Potash alum : It helps in rapid settling of suspended impurities in water. It is used for the purification of water.

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