Write a balanced chemical equation for the following neutralization reaction producing a soluble salt: Carbonic acid, H2CO3H2CO3, neutralizes a sodium hydroxide solution. Assume both equivalents of hydrogen ions in the acid react.

H₂CO₃ (aq)  +  2NaOH(aq)  →   Na₂CO₃ (aq) +  2H₂O(l)

Explanation:

In a reaction of neutralization you produce water and the salt derived from the acid and the base that has reacted.

Carbonic acid dissociates as this:

H₂CO₃ (aq) + H₂O (l)  ⇄  H₃o⁺  (aq) +  HCO₃⁻ (aq)   Ka₁

HCO₃⁻ (aq) + H₂O (l) ⇄ H₃O⁺ (aq)  +  CO₂²⁻ (aq)     Ka₂

Sodium hydroxide dissociates as this:

NaOH (aq) ←  Na⁺ (aq)  +  OH⁻(aq)

So OH⁻ bonds to the H₃O⁺ to make water.

H₃O⁺  +  OH⁻ ⇄  2H₂O     Kw

The reaction for neutratlization is:

H₂CO₃ (aq)  +  2NaOH(aq)  →   Na₂CO₃ (aq) +  2H₂O(l)

c

explanation: