Salt that gives basic solution

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In summary, when Na2CO3 is dissolved in water, the cation Na+ and the anion CO32- do not have any affinity for protons or hydroxide ions. However, the anion has basic properties that allow it to undergo hydrolysis and produce OH- ions, resulting in a basic solution. The presence of HCO3- from carbonic acid also contributes to the basicity of the solution, as it can undergo hydrolysis to produce OH- ions as well. This explains why Na2CO3 gives a basic solution when dissolved in water.
  • #1
kasse
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Homework Statement



Explain why Na2CO3 gives a basic solution when dissolved in water.

The Attempt at a Solution



The cation is Na+ while the anion is CO32-. The cation has no affinity for neither protons nor hydroxide ions. The anion should have basic properties to make a basic solution. Does this mean that HCO3- is a weak acid? I cannot find it in my table of weak acids.
 
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Why basic? To be brief: Hydrolysis. HCO3-, is from Carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is a diprotic acid, and when you look for the dissociation constant you need to look for the one for carbonic acid which will show you the values for the first AND the second dissociations.

Carbonic Acid: [tex] \[
H_2 CO_3
\]
[/tex]

the first dissociation is stronger than the second dissociation.
 
  • #3
kasse said:

Homework Statement



Explain why Na2CO3 gives a basic solution when dissolved in water.

The Attempt at a Solution



The cation is Na+ while the anion is CO32-. The cation has no affinity for neither protons nor hydroxide ions. The anion should have basic properties to make a basic solution. Does this mean that HCO3- is a weak acid? I cannot find it in my table of weak acids.

The pertinent reactions you need to conceptualize are:

1) CO3-2 + H2O <-------> HCO3- + OH-

and,

2) HCO3- + H2O <-----> H2CO3 + OH-
 

1. What is a "salt that gives basic solution"?

A "salt that gives basic solution" is a chemical compound that is formed when an acid and a base react with each other. The resulting salt has a pH level greater than 7, making it a basic solution.

2. How does a salt give a basic solution?

A salt gives a basic solution by dissociating into its constituent ions when dissolved in water. These ions can either be hydroxide ions (OH-) or alkali metal ions such as sodium (Na+) or potassium (K+), which contribute to the basic nature of the solution.

3. What are some examples of salts that give basic solutions?

Some examples of salts that give basic solutions include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). These salts are commonly used in household cleaning products and in industrial processes.

4. Can a salt give both acidic and basic solutions?

Yes, some salts can give both acidic and basic solutions depending on the strength of the acid and base used to form the salt. For example, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) can give a slightly acidic solution when dissolved in water, but can also act as a weak base in the presence of a stronger acid.

5. How can the basicity of a salt be predicted?

The basicity of a salt can be predicted by looking at the ions present in the salt. Salts with ions that come from strong bases and weak acids will give a basic solution, while salts with ions from weak bases and strong acids will give an acidic solution. Additionally, the charges of the ions can also affect the basicity of the solution.

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