7. Predict whether the salt
NaHCO
3
will form an acidic or basic solution given
K
a
(H
2
CO
3
) = 4.3 x 10
-7
and
K
a
(HCO
3
-
) = 5.6 x 10
-11
.
Dissociation equation:
NaHCO
3
(aq)
Na
+
(aq) + HCO
3
-
(aq)
What is important to realize about
HCO
3
-
(aq)
?
a) it always acts as a strong base
b) it is amphoteric
c) it always acts as a strong acid
d) it is a spectator ion and does not react
