H2CO3 (aq) + H20 (l) --> H30+(aq) + HCO3- (aq) ; Ka 1 = 4.3 x 10^-7
HCO3- (aq) + H20 (l) --> H30+ (aq) + CO3 (aq) ; Ka2 = 4.8 x 10^-11
The question stem asks which of the following are equal, and the answer is:
Ka * [H2CO3] / [HCO3-] = Ka2 [ HCO3-] / [CO3]
I am conceptually confused as to how this can be true. The explanation says to write out the equilibrium reactions for both equations, and set the concentration of H30 equal to arrive at the answer. But how can the H30 concentration...
Gen Chem Question
HCO3- (aq) + H20 (l) --> H30+ (aq) + CO3 (aq) ; Ka2 = 4.8 x 10^-11
The question stem asks which of the following are equal, and the answer is:
Ka * [H2CO3] / [HCO3-] = Ka2 [ HCO3-] / [CO3]
I am conceptually confused as to how this can be true. The explanation says to write out the equilibrium reactions for both equations, and set the concentration of H30 equal to arrive at the answer. But how can the H30 concentration...
Gen Chem Question