Question

An Aqueous solution of sodium carbonate is basic and not acidic. Assign reason.

Answer 1

Step 1: Chemical reaction for formation of sodium hydroxide and carbonic acid.

When Sodium Carbonate$\left({\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3\right)$ reacts with water if forms sodium hydroxide and carbonic acid.

Chemical reaction:

${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

Step 2: Explanation of the chemical reaction.

In the above reaction,

1. Sodium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$ is a strong base
2. Carbonic acid $\left(H_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3\right)$ is a weak acid.

Since in the reaction, the base is strong and the acid is weak the basic nature of sodium hydroxide overpowers the acidic nature of carbonic acid.

Hence, it states that the solution is basic and not acidic.