Question

A sample of NaCO₃ is added to 0.1N H₂SO₄ solution. Will the resulting solution be acidic, basic, or neutral?

1. Acidic; H₂SO₄ dissociation.
2. Basic; NaCO₃ dissociation.
3. Neutral; chemical equilibrium.
4. Acidic; NaCO₃ dissociation.

Answer 1

Upon adding NaCO₃ to H₂SO₄, the resulting solution is basic due to the dissociation of NaCO₃, which comes from a strong base and a weak acid and produces OH⁻ ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When adding a sample of NaCO₃ to 0.1N H₂SO₄ solution, the resulting solution's pH depends on the salt's ions interactions with water. NaCO₃, similar to NaHCO₃, will produce carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) in solution, which can react with water to produce OH⁻ ions, and it is derived from a strong base (NaOH) and a weak acid (carbonic acid, H₂CO₃). Therefore, the resulting solution would likely be basic due to the presence of excess OH⁻ ions, making correct answer Basic; NaCO₃ dissociation.