Final answer:
The chemical compound H₂CO₃ used in soft drinks is correctly named carbonic acid, as per the naming convention that involves omitting 'hydrogen,' changing '-ate' to '-ic,' and adding 'acid.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The compound H₂CO₃ used in soft drinks is named carbonic acid. This naming convention omits the word 'hydrogen' from 'hydrogen carbonate,' replaces '-ate' from 'carbonate' with '-ic,' and adds the word 'acid,' resulting in the proper name carbonic acid. It is known that carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide (CO₂) is dissolved in water (H₂O), leading to an equilibrium reaction that produces the weak acid H₂CO₃. Carbonic acid forms two kinds of salts: carbonates and bicarbonates, and it is essential in geology as it contributes to the dissolution of limestone, creating features such as stalactites and stalagmites. Since carbonic acid is diprotic, it can release two protons upon dissociation.