Which chemical makes a basic sol'n? (MC)

[Jules18]

Homework Statement

Which of the following salts forms a basic solution when dissolved in water?
(A) NaCl
(B) (NH4)2SO4
(C) CuSO4
(D) K2CO3
(E) NH4NO3

2. The attempt at a solution

The way I understand, they would all dissociate like this:
NaCl(s) --> Na(+) + Cl(-)

I'm pretty sure the Cl(-) is a Bronsted base, or anything with a -ve charge, but as for the solution as a whole being basic, I'm not sure what they're asking...

Basically I'm screwed. Is this something you have to just know already?
Can anyone help me figure this out or refer me to a helpful resource?

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement

2. The attempt at a solution

The way I understand, they would all dissociate like this:
NaCl(s) --> Na(+) + Cl(-)

I'm pretty sure the Cl(-) is a Bronsted base, or anything with a -ve charge, but as for the solution as a whole being basic, I'm not sure what they're asking...

Basically I'm screwed. Is this something you have to just know already?
Can anyone help me figure this out or refer me to a helpful resource?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acids_and_bases

Does that help?

 

[kldickson]

Construct chemical equations and react all the chemicals with H2O to see what they produce.

Just because a chemical is a Bronsted-Lowry base does not necessarily mean it produces a basic solution. For example, NaCl does not produce a basic solution, but Cl- is a Bronsted-Lowry base.

 

[Borek]

Cl- is a Bronsted-Lowry base.

Extremally weak one, we should add.

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[Jules18]

So, the question is referring to the products and not the ions that react?

 

[Borek]

In a way... basic solution is the one with high pH, so OH^- must be an important product. But you have to think about which ions in water will be a source of OH^-.

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