An aqueous solution of aluminium sulphate would show

Options

A. Acidic
B. Neutral
C. Basic
D. Both acidic and basic reaction.

Explanation

To determine the nature of an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the components of aluminum sulfate
Aluminum sulfate is a salt formed from the reaction between sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), a strong acid, and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃), a weak base.

### Step 2: Understand the concept of acidic salts
Acidic salts are formed when a strong acid reacts with a weak base. In this case, aluminum sulfate is the product of the neutralization reaction between sulfuric acid and aluminum hydroxide.

### Step 3: Write the neutralization reaction
The neutralization reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2\text{Al(OH)}_3 \rightarrow \text{Al}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \]
This shows that sulfuric acid (strong acid) reacts with aluminum hydroxide (weak base) to form aluminum sulfate and water.

### Step 4: Analyze the nature of the resulting solution
Since aluminum sulfate is derived from a strong acid and a weak base, it will exhibit acidic properties when dissolved in water. This is because the sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) do not hydrolyze significantly, but the aluminum ions (Al³⁺) can hydrolyze to produce H⁺ ions, leading to an acidic solution.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Therefore, an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate will show an acidic reaction.

### Final Answer:
An aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate would show **acidic** reaction.

---