Question

Write a net ionic equation for the overall reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide are combined. Assume excess base.

Answer 1

`H_2CO_3(aq)+2OH^-(aq)\rightarrow (CO_3)^(2-)(aq)+2H_2O(l)`

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello there!

In this case, according to the given information, it turns out possible for us to set up this net ionic equation, by firstly setting up the complete molecular equation as follows:

`H_2CO_3(aq)+2NaOH(aq)\rightarrow Na_2CO_3(aq)+2H_2O(l)`

Thus, since carbonic acid is weak it merely ionizes whereas sodium hydroxides ionizes for the 100 % as it is strong; thus, we can write the complete ionic equation:

`H_2CO_3(aq)+2Na^+(aq)+2OH^-(aq)\rightarrow 2Na^+(aq)+(CO_3)^(2-)(aq)+2H_2O(l)`

Whereas sodium ions act as the spectator ones to be cancelled out for us to obtain:

`H_2CO_3(aq)+2OH^-(aq)\rightarrow (CO_3)^(2-)(aq)+2H_2O(l)`

Regards!