In the second test tube we had 3mL of 1M NH3and phenolphthalein indicator. The original solution was bright pink the solution is basic. We then slowly added 1M of HCl, the addition of the HCl made the solution clear and colourless, this indicates that the solution is very acidic. The addition of HCl for the reaction works to reduce the amount of HCl (reactant) so the reaction will shift towards the products to reach equilibrium. NH3(aq) + HCl(aq) ? NH4Cl (aq) Is NH4Cl an acid or base? does the HCl ionize the NH3 base? is the a conjugate acid or base, HCl is a strong acid, what happens when a strong acid and weak base are mixed?