There are 6 bottles of water. Salt is added to the first one, a strong acid namely HCl to the 2nd one, a strong base namely calcium hydroxide to the 3rd one, a weak acid namely vinegar to the 4th one, a weak base namely baking soda to the 5th one and the 6th bottle of water is left in the same way.

What will happen to each bottle, what will each bottle look like and how will each bottle smell after 6 days?

1 answer

It is difficult to predict with certainty what will happen to each bottle after 6 days, as it depends on the quantity and concentration of the substances added to the water, as well as the environmental conditions. However, here are some possible outcomes:

1. The bottle with salt added: Salt is a stable compound that does not react with water, so the bottle will likely look similar to the other bottles with clear water. However, the water may taste slightly salty.

2. The bottle with HCl added: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that can react with metals, carbonates, and other bases. If the concentration of HCl is high enough, the water may turn yellowish or brown due to the formation of iron(III) chloride or other metal chlorides. The water may also give off a strong acidic odor and taste sour.

3. The bottle with calcium hydroxide added: Calcium hydroxide is a strong base that can react with acids to form salts and water. If the concentration of calcium hydroxide is high enough, the water may turn cloudy or milky due to the formation of calcium carbonate. The water may also smell slightly like ammonia.

4. The bottle with vinegar added: Vinegar is a weak acid that can react with bases to form salts and water. If the concentration of vinegar is high enough, the water may turn slightly yellowish or brown due to the formation of copper(II) acetate or other salts. The water may also smell slightly like vinegar.

5. The bottle with baking soda added: Baking soda is a weak base that can react with acids to form salts and water. If the concentration of baking soda is high enough, the water may turn slightly cloudy or milky due to the formation of calcium carbonate. The water may also smell slightly like baking soda.

6. The bottle with no additives: This bottle will likely look and smell similar to the other bottles with clear water, unless there are other factors (such as contamination) that affect the water quality.