Sodium carbonate is a basic salt because it is a salt of aa)strong aci...
Explanation:Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is a basic salt because it is the salt of a weak acid and a strong base. Here's why:
Definition of a basic salt:A basic salt is a salt that is formed from the neutralization of a weak acid with a strong base. It has a pH greater than 7 and can act as a base when dissolved in water.
Components of sodium carbonate:Sodium carbonate consists of the sodium ion (Na+) and the carbonate ion (CO3^2-).
Acidic and basic properties of the ions:The sodium ion (Na+) is derived from a strong base (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) and is therefore neutral and does not contribute to the basic nature of the salt.
The carbonate ion (CO3^2-) is derived from a weak acid (carbonic acid, H2CO3) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide, NaOH). The carbonate ion can accept protons (H+) from water, making it a weak base.
Neutralization reaction:When sodium carbonate reacts with water, it undergoes hydrolysis:
Na2CO3 + H2O → 2NaOH + H2CO3
The hydrolysis of the carbonate ion produces hydroxide ions (OH-) which make the solution basic.
Conclusion:Sodium carbonate is a basic salt because it is the salt of a weak acid (carbonic acid) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide).