Sodium hydride (NaH) when dissolved in water, produces

Options

A. Acidic solution
B. Basic solution
C. Neutral solution
D. Cannot be predicted

Explanation

To determine the nature of the solution produced when sodium hydride (NaH) is dissolved in water, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compound**: Sodium hydride (NaH) is an ionic compound consisting of sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydride ions (H⁻).

2. **Dissolution in Water**: When NaH is added to water (H₂O), it dissociates into its constituent ions:
\[ \text{NaH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{H}^- \]

3. **Reaction of Hydride Ion with Water**: The hydride ion (H⁻) is a strong base and reacts with water to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and hydrogen gas (H₂):
\[ \text{H}^- + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{OH}^- + \text{H}_2(g) \]

4. **Formation of Hydroxide Ions**: The production of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) indicates that the solution becomes basic.

5. **Conclusion**: Since the solution contains hydroxide ions, it is classified as a basic solution. Therefore, the correct answer is that sodium hydride when dissolved in water produces a basic solution.

### Final Answer:
Sodium hydride (NaH) when dissolved in water produces a **basic solution**.

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