Answer:
H₂CO₃ H₂O ⇄ HCO₃⁻ + H₃O⁺ Ka1
HCO₃⁻ + H₂O ⇄ CO₃⁻² + H₃O⁺ Ka2
CO₃⁻² + H₂O ⇄ HCO₃⁻ + OH⁻ Kb1
HCO₃⁻ + H₂O ⇄ H₂CO₃ + OH⁻ Kb2
Explanation:
Formula for carbonic acid is: H₂CO₃
It is a dyprotic acid, because it can release two protons. We can also mention that is a weak one. The equilibrums are:
H₂CO₃ H₂O ⇄ HCO₃⁻ + H₃O⁺ Ka1
HCO₃⁻ + H₂O ⇄ CO₃⁻² + H₃O⁺ Ka2
When the conjugate strong bases, carbonate and bicarbonate take a proton from water, the reactions are:
CO₃⁻² + H₂O ⇄ HCO₃⁻ + OH⁻ Kb1
HCO₃⁻ + H₂O ⇄ H₂CO₃ + OH⁻ Kb2
Notice, that bicarbonate anion can release or take a proton to/from water. This is called amphoteric,
