NaHCO3 can be used to neutralize strong bases, such as NaOH. What conclusion can be drawn from the fact that the following acid-base reaction proceeds to the right as written?
HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) ➝ CO32-(aq) + H2O(l)
(a) HCO3- is a stronger acid than H2O
(b) HCO3- is a stronger base than CO32-
(c) HCO3- is a stronger base than OH-
(d) CO32- is a stronger base than OH-
(e) H2O is a stronger acid than HCO3-
Chemistry · Sun Jul 10 2022
Answered on
From the given reaction, HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) -> CO32-(aq) + H2O(l), we can conclude that HCO3-(aq) is a stronger base than OH-(aq). This conclusion is based on the fact that the reaction proceeds to the right, indicating that the HCO3- ion and OH- ion react to form CO32- ion and water.
Extra: To understand this conclusion, it is important to understand the concept of acid-base reactions and the strength of acids and bases. In an acid-base reaction, an acid donates a proton (H+) and a base accepts a proton. The strength of an acid or base refers to its ability to donate or accept protons.
In the given reaction, HCO3-(aq) is acting as a base as it accepts a proton from the OH-(aq) ion to form CO32- and water. Since the reaction proceeds to the right, it means that the forward reaction (HCO3- + OH- -> CO32- + H2O) is favored, indicating that HCO3- is a stronger base than OH-.
It is important to note that H2O is a neutral molecule and does not act as an acid or base in this reaction. Therefore, the statement (e) H2O is a stronger acid than HCO3- is incorrect.