Ammonium phosphate is described as not alkaline in its reaction. Which option matches this description?

Ammonium phosphate is described as not alkaline in its reaction. Which option matches this description?

• A. Not alkaline in its reaction
• B. Neutral in its reaction
• C. Very acidic in its reaction
• D. Highly basic in its reaction

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how ammonium salts behave in water. Ammonium phosphate contains the ammonium ion, which acts as a weak acid in solution. When it dissolves, NH4+ can donate a proton, forming H3O+ and lowering the pH. The phosphate part can buffer but does not produce a strongly basic solution. Because of this acid‑forming tendency, the reaction is not alkaline. That’s why the description that fits best is “Not alkaline in its reaction.”

The key idea is how ammonium salts behave in water. Ammonium phosphate contains the ammonium ion, which acts as a weak acid in solution. When it dissolves, NH4+ can donate a proton, forming H3O+ and lowering the pH. The phosphate part can buffer but does not produce a strongly basic solution. Because of this acid‑forming tendency, the reaction is not alkaline. That’s why the description that fits best is “Not alkaline in its reaction.”