Here's why:
* Ammonia is a weak base: Ammonia can accept a proton (H⁺) from water molecules, forming ammonium ions (NH₄⁺).
* Equilibrium reaction: The reaction between ammonia and water is an equilibrium reaction:
* NH₃ + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻
* Hydroxide ions: This reaction results in the formation of hydroxide ions (OH⁻), which are responsible for the basic nature of the solution.
Therefore, dissolving ammonia in water creates a basic solution, not an acidic one.