Assertion: An aqueous solution of `FeCl_3` is acidic.
Reason: It is due to cationic hydrolysis of `Fe^(3+)` ion to give `Fe(OH)_3` and `H^(o+)` ions.

Options

A. If both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. If both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.
D. If (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct.

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze both the assertion and the reason provided.

### Step 1: Understand the Assertion
The assertion states that an aqueous solution of `FeCl3` is acidic.

**Explanation**:
- `FeCl3` is a salt formed from the strong acid HCl and the weak base Fe(OH)3.
- When dissolved in water, it dissociates into `Fe^(3+)` ions and `Cl^-` ions.
- The presence of `Fe^(3+)` ions in solution leads to the release of hydrogen ions (`H^+`), which makes the solution acidic.

### Step 2: Analyze the Reason
The reason states that the acidity is due to the cationic hydrolysis of `Fe^(3+)` ions, which produces `Fe(OH)3` and `H^+` ions.

**Explanation**:
- The `Fe^(3+)` ions undergo hydrolysis in water, reacting with water molecules to form `Fe(OH)3` and releasing `H^+` ions into the solution.
- The reaction can be represented as:
\[ Fe^{3+} + 3H_2O \rightleftharpoons Fe(OH)_3 + 3H^+ \]
- This process is known as cationic hydrolysis, and it is responsible for the acidic nature of the solution.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Both the assertion and the reason are correct. The reason correctly explains why the assertion is true.

### Final Answer
- Both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

### Option Selection
- The correct option is: **Both assertion and reason are correct, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.**

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