Write a balanced chemical equation for the following neutralization reaction producing a soluble salt: Carbonic acid, H2CO3H2CO3, neutralizes a sodium hydroxide solution. Assume both equivalents of hydrogen ions in the acid react.

H₂CO₃ (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) → Na₂CO₃ (aq) + 2H₂O (l)

Explanation:

In a reaction of neutralization you produce water and the salt derived from the acid and the base that has reacted.

Carbonic acid dissociates as this:

H₂CO₃ (aq) + H₂O (l) ⇄ H₃o⁺ (aq) + HCO₃⁻ (aq) Ka₁

HCO₃⁻ (aq) + H₂O (l) ⇄ H₃O⁺ (aq) + CO₂²⁻ (aq) Ka₂

Sodium hydroxide dissociates as this:

NaOH (aq) ← Na⁺ (aq) + OH⁻ (aq)

So OH⁻ bonds to the H₃O⁺ to make water.

H₃O⁺ + OH⁻ ⇄ 2H₂O Kw

The reaction for neutratlization is:

H₂CO₃ (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) → Na₂CO₃ (aq) + 2H₂O (l)