Question

If you add a solution of NaOH to a solution of H₂CO₃, two reactions occur, one after the other. Write the chemical equations for these two reactions. (Hint: NaOH dissociate into Na+ and OH-, and the hydroxide ion is the actual base).

Answer 1

We have a solution of NaOH and H₂CO₃

First, NaOH will dissociate into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions

The Na⁺ ion will substitute one of the Hydrogen atoms on H₂CO₃ to form NaHCO₃

The H⁺ released from the substitution will bond with the OH⁻ ion to form a water molecule

If there were to be another NaOH molecule, a similar substitution will take place, substituting the second hydrogen from H₂CO₃ as well to form Na₂CO₃