Why does NaH2PO4 become acidic in water? I thought this reaction would yield NaOH and HPO4- and NaOH is a strong base! Please explain what happens to the sodium ION. Does it accept a hydroxide?

An aqueous solution of NaH₂PO₄ is acidic because the H₂PO₄⁻ ion is a stronger acid than a base. The Na⁺ ion acts only as a spectator ion to balance the charge.
When you dissolve NaH₂PO₄ in water, it dissociates into ions.
NaH₂PO₄(s) → Na⁺(aq) + H₂PO₄⁻(aq)
The H₂PO₄⁻ ion is amphoteric. It can act as either an acid or a base.
The equation for its reaction as an acid is
H₂PO₄⁻ + H₂O ⇌ HPO₄²⁻ + H₃O⁺; ##”p”K_”a” = 7.21##
The equation for its reaction as a base is
H₂PO₄⁻ + H₂O ⇌ H₃PO₄ + OH⁻; ##”p”K_”b” = 11.88##
Since ##”p”K_”a” < "p"K_"b"##, H₂PO₄⁻ is a stronger acid than it is a base. This means that of NaH₂PO₄ will be acidic.

Save Time On Research and Writing
Hire a Pro to Write You a 100% Plagiarism-Free Paper.
Get My Paper
Calculate your order
Pages (275 words)
Standard price: $0.00
Client Reviews
4.9
Sitejabber
4.6
Trustpilot
4.8
Our Guarantees
100% Confidentiality
Information about customers is confidential and never disclosed to third parties.
Original Writing
We complete all papers from scratch. You can get a plagiarism report.
Timely Delivery
No missed deadlines – 97% of assignments are completed in time.
Money Back
If you're confident that a writer didn't follow your order details, ask for a refund.

Calculate the price of your order

You will get a personal manager and a discount.
We'll send you the first draft for approval by at
Total price:
$0.00
Power up Your Academic Success with the
Team of Professionals. We’ve Got Your Back.
Power up Your Study Success with Experts We’ve Got Your Back.
Live Chat+1 763 309 4299EmailWhatsApp