Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (3rd Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321809246
ISBN 13: 978-0-32180-924-7

Chapter 15 - Sections 15.1-15.12 - Exercises - Problems by Topic - Page 746: 42d

Answer

$H_2CO_3$ is a weak acid. $$K_a = \frac{[HC{O_3}^-][H_3O^+]}{[H_2CO_3]}$$

Work Step by Step

$H_2CO_3$ does not appear in the common strong acids list: $$Strong \space acids: HCl, HNO_3, H_2SO_4, HBr, HI, HClO_4 \space and \space HClO_3$$ $$H_2CO_3(aq) + H_2O(l) \leftrightharpoons HC{O_3}^-(aq) + H_3O^+(aq)$$ $$K_a = \frac{[Products]}{[Reactants]} = \frac{[HC{O_3}^-][H_3O^+]}{[H_2CO_3]}$$
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