Question

For a certain series of reactions, if [OH−][HCO−3]/[CO2−3]=K1 and [OH−][H2CO3]/[HCO−3]=K2, what is the equilibrium constant expression for the overall reaction? Write the overall equilibrium equation.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The overall equilibrium equation can be obtained by combining the two given equations:

H2CO3 + OH- → HCO3- + H2O (1)

HCO3- + OH- → CO32- + H2O (2)

Adding equations (1) and (2), we get:

H2CO3 + 2OH- → CO32- + 2H2O

Dividing the second equation by the first, we get:

[CO32-][H2O]/[HCO3-] = K2

Multiplying the above equation with the first equation, we get:

[H2CO3][CO32-][H2O]^2/[HCO3-] = K1*K2

Thus, the equilibrium constant expression for the overall reaction is:

[K] = [H2CO3][CO32-][H2O]^2/[HCO3-]

where [K] = K1*K2.