In the two step ionization process of H2CO3, which step releases the most hydronium ions into the solution? H2CO3 (aq) + H2O (l) HCO3- (aq) + H3O+ (aq) HCO3- (aq) + H2O (l) CO32- (aq) + H3O+ (aq)

Question

In the two step ionization process of H2CO3, which step releases the most hydronium ions into the solution? H2CO3 (aq) + H2O (l) <----> HCO3- (aq) + H3O+ (aq) HCO3- (aq) + H2O (l) <----> CO32- (aq) + H3O+ (aq)

anonymous · Answer

the second one ..
consider the ionizations.
the first equation gives ions with single charge
the second equation gives a doubly charged carbonate ion and hence "2" hydronium ions to balance that.

anonymous · Answer

Ah, thank you, that makes a lot of sense!

anonymous · Answer

yw