Question

Consider the following equilibrium:H2CO3(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + HCO3-1(aq).What is the correct equilibrium expression?

Answer 1

The equilibrium expression shows the ratio between products and reactants. This expression is equal to the concentration of the products raised to its coefficient divided by the concentration of the reactants raised to its coefficient. The correct equilibrium expression for the given reaction is:

H2CO3(aq) + H2O(l) = H3O+(aq) + HCO3-1(aq)

Kc = [HCO3-1] [H3O+] / [H2O] [H2CO3]