Question

question 19 of 32
a solution of carbonic acid, h₂co₃(aq), is at equilibrium. how would the system change if more carbonic acid were added to the solution?

a. less h⁺ and more hco₃⁻ would be produced.

b. less h⁺ and hco₃⁻ would be produced.

c. more h⁺ and less hco₃⁻ would be produced.

d. more h⁺ and hco₃⁻ would be produced.

Explanation:

Carbonic acid (\(H_2CO_3\)) is a weak acid that dissociates in water in steps. The first dissociation is \(H_2CO_3(aq)
ightleftharpoons H^+(aq) + HCO_3^-(aq)\). According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a stress (like adding more reactant, \(H_2CO_3\)) is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will shift to counteract the stress. Adding more \(H_2CO_3\) will cause the equilibrium to shift to the right, producing more \(H^+\) and \(HCO_3^-\) to consume the added \(H_2CO_3\).

Answer:

D. More \(H^+\) and \(HCO_3^-\) would be produced.