Question

carbonic acid (h₂co₃) is a polyprotic acid. write balanced chemical equations for the sequence of reactions that carbonic acid can undergo when its dissolved in water.

Explanation:

Step1: First ionization of carbonic acid

Carbonic acid (\(H_2CO_3\)) donates one \(H^+\) ion to water (\(H_2O\)).

$$H_2CO_3(aq)+H_2O(l) ightleftharpoons H_3O^+(aq)+HCO_3^-(aq)$$

Step2: Second ionization of carbonic acid

The bicarbonate ion (\(HCO_3^-\)) formed in the first step donates another \(H^+\) ion to water (\(H_2O\)).

$$HCO_3^-(aq)+H_2O(l) ightleftharpoons H_3O^+(aq)+CO_3^{2 - }(aq)$$

Answer:

$$H_2CO_3(aq)+H_2O(l) ightleftharpoons H_3O^+(aq)+HCO_3^-(aq)$$

$$HCO_3^-(aq)+H_2O(l) ightleftharpoons H_3O^+(aq)+CO_3^{2 - }(aq)$$