Predict Whether an Aqueous Solution of Na2CO3 Would Be Acidic, Basic, or Neutral

When sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in a basic solution. This is because sodium carbonate is a salt derived from a weak acid (carbonic acid, H₂CO₃) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide, NaOH).

In water, sodium carbonate dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃^2-). The carbonate ions can react with water to form bicarbonate ions (HCO₃^–) and hydroxide ions (OH^–):

CO32- + H2O → HCO3- + OH-

This reaction increases the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, making it basic. As a result, an aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃ will have a pH greater than 7, indicating that it is indeed a basic solution.