Question

24. The equilibrium between carbon dioxide and carbonic acid is very important in biology and environmental science. CO2(g) + H2O(l) <------------> H2CO3(aq) Which of the following is correct equilibrium constant expression (Kc) for this reaction? a) Kc = [H2CO3] / [CO2] [H2O] b) Kc = [CO2] [H2O] /[H2CO3] c) Kc = [H2CO3] / [CO2] d) Kc = [CO2] / [H2CO3] e) Kc = 1 / [H2CO3]

Answer 1

Option c) Kc = [H2CO3] / [CO2]

Step-by-step explanation:

The producttion of carbonic acid by dissolving CO2 in water follows some series of equation.

CO2 dissolves in water (H2O) to produce carbonic acid as shown by the following equation:

1. The CO2 gas first dissolves in water to produce aqueous CO2 as shown below:

CO2 (g) + H2O <=> CO2 (aq) + H2O

2. The aqueous CO2 dissolves in water (H2O) to produce carbonic acid as shown by the following equation:

CO2 (aq) + H2O (l) <=> H2CO3 (aq)

The equilibrium constant for the above reaction is given below:

Kc = [H2CO3] / [CO2]