Question

h₂co₃ is used in soft drinks. what is the name of this compound?
○ sulfuric acid
○ carbonic acid
○ tartaric acid
○ hydrochloric acid

Explanation:

To determine the name of the compound with the formula $\ce{H_{2}CO_{3}}$, we analyze the components. The formula has hydrogen ($\ce{H}$), carbon ($\ce{C}$), and oxygen ($\ce{O}$). The anion here is the carbonate ion ($\ce{CO_{3}^{2-}}$), and when combined with hydrogen ions ($\ce{H^{+}}$), it forms an acid. The acid derived from the carbonate ion is named carbonic acid. Sulfuric acid has the formula $\ce{H_{2}SO_{4}}$, tartaric acid has a different formula (involving carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen but with a different structure), and hydrochloric acid has the formula $\ce{HCl}$. So the correct name for $\ce{H_{2}CO_{3}}$ is carbonic acid.

Answer:

B. carbonic acid