Final answer:
The net ionic equation for the reaction of potassium hydroxide with carbonic acid is 2OH-(aq) + H2CO3(aq) → CO32-(aq) + 2H2O(l). This shows that hydroxide ions react with carbonic acid to form carbonate ions and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) are combined is:2OH-(aq) + H2CO3(aq) → CO32-(aq) + 2H2O(l)The complete ionic equation for this reaction shows all of the ions and molecules that are present in the solution before they react. Potassium hydroxide is a strong base and dissociates completely into potassium ions and hydroxide ions. Carbonic acid is a weak acid and does not fully dissociate in water, so it is represented as a molecule (H2CO3). In the reaction between these substances, the hydroxide ions from potassium hydroxide react with carbonic acid to form carbonate ions and water. Spectator ions, such as the potassium ions in this reaction, are not included in the net ionic equation as they do not participate directly in the reaction.ConclusionThe resulting net ionic equation represents the actual chemical changes occurring in the reaction, showing that carbonic acid is neutralized by hydroxide ions, forming carbonate ions and water as the products.