How to Classify Reactions: Hydrolysis, Ionization, and Self-Protolysis

[Jbreezy]

Homework Statement

Hello,
I'm trying to learn how to classify reactions. I want to know how do I tell ionization, self protolysis and hydrolysis.

Homework Equations

NH4(aq) + H20(l) <--> NH3(aq) + H30(aq)+ This is hydrolysis why? How does it differ from this hydrolysis.
CO32-(aq) + H20(l) <--> HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) I don't understand.

Can you please give me examples of how to classify each reaction asked about?
Thanks
j

 

[Borek]

NH4(aq) + H20(l) <--> NH3(aq) + H30(aq)+ This is hydrolysis why?

I would not call it hydrolysis, just dissociation. Produced proton attaches to the water molecule.

How does it differ from this hydrolysis.
CO32-(aq) + H20(l) <--> HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) I don't understand.

Here water molecule is split into H⁺ and OH^-.

Trick is, hydrolysis means slightly different things in different contexts. On a general level hydrolysis means "decomposition by reaction with water". Apparently there is no compound decomposition in the case of dissociated carbonate - there is a reaction with water, in which it is water that decomposes.