Answer:
H₂CO₃(aq) ⇄ H⁺(aq) + HCO₃⁻(aq) K₁ = [H⁺][HCO₃⁻]/[H₂CO₃]
HCO₃⁻(aq) ⇄ H⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq) K₂ = [H⁺][CO₃²⁻]/[HCO₃⁻]
Explanation:
Let's consider the equation for the first step of the ionization of carbonic acid.
H₂CO₃(aq) ⇄ H⁺(aq) + HCO₃⁻(aq)
The first ionization constant is:
K₁ = [H⁺][HCO₃⁻]/[H₂CO₃]
Let's consider the equation for the second step of the ionization of carbonic acid.
HCO₃⁻(aq) ⇄ H⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq)
The second ionization constant is:
K₂ = [H⁺][CO₃²⁻]/[HCO₃⁻]
