The Neutrality of NaCl: Comparing H+ and Ac-

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NaCl is neutral, not affecting pH, as it dissociates into Na+ and Cl- without altering acidity or basicity. In contrast, when NaAc is dissolved, H+ ions react with Ac- to form HAc, a weak acid, which remains partially undissociated. This difference arises because hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid that fully dissociates, while acetic acid (HAc) does not. The discussion highlights the distinct behaviors of strong and weak acids in solution. Understanding these reactions clarifies why the two scenarios yield different outcomes.
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Homework Statement
Hello,

I have two similar tasks here, but I don't really see any similarities in how they are "treated".

First question:

Calculate the pH of 0.01M NaCl.


Second question:

Find pH if you dissolve 0.2 mol NaAc and 0.1 mol HCl in water.
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First question:
Here they just conclude that NaCl is neither acidic or basic, and that pH is unchanged.Second question:
Here I thought that the pH would just be the concentration of HCl, as NaAc is a salt, but in the solution they instead say that H+ will combine with Ac- to form HAc. Why is these two questions different? To me they seem very similar...
 
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Acetic acid is a weak acid, hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.
 
Thanks! so Cl- reacting with H+ would just result in Cl- and H+ ions back again, as HCl is a strong acid? Where as for the second case H+ will react with Ac- to form, and some of the HAc will remain undissolved undissociated as it is a weak acid?
 
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Undissociated, not undissolved.
 
Thank you! I edited my post, is it correct now?
 
Yes
 
Correct, but you have not pushed anything as far as answering the questions.
 
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