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Chapter 6: Problem 35

Define salt hydrolysis. Explain the hydrolysis of potassium carbonate by giving ionic equations.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: When potassium carbonate undergoes hydrolysis in water, the solution becomes more basic due to the increase in hydroxide ion (OH⁻) concentration. This occurs as the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) reacts with water molecules, forming bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) and hydroxide ion (OH⁻).

Step by step solution

01

Define Salt Hydrolysis

Salt hydrolysis is a process in which a salt's ions interact with water molecules to form new compounds, resulting in a change in pH. This process typically occurs when an acidic or basic salt dissociates in water, causing the water molecules to either donate or accept protons, thus effectively altering the acidity or alkalinity of the solution.
02

Identify the ions in potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) is an ionic compound formed by the combination of two potassium ions (K⁺) and one carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) in a crystal lattice. When dissolved in water, potassium carbonate dissociates into its individual ions: 2K⁺ and CO₃²⁻.
03

Write the hydrolysis ionic equations

When potassium carbonate is dissolved in water, the ions interact with water molecules. The potassium ions do not hydrolyze because they come from a strong base (potassium hydroxide, KOH) and do not react with water. However, the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) undergoes hydrolysis by accepting protons from water molecules: CO₃²⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ HCO₃⁻(aq) + OH⁻(aq) In this reaction, the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) picks up a hydrogen ion (H⁺) from water, forming bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) and hydroxide ion (OH⁻). The above equation shows that the hydrolysis of carbonate ion results in an increase in hydroxide ion concentration, causing the solution to become more basic.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Define salt hydrolysis. Explain the nature of aqueous solution of the following salts on the basis of salt hydrolysis. (i) \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\right)_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) (ii) \(\mathrm{CuSO}_{4}\) (iii) \(\mathrm{NaNO}_{3}\) (iv) \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\)

Distinguish between acidic and basic salts giving examples.

How does a complex salt dissociate in its aqueous solution?

How do you identify the following cations in their aqueous solutions by using caustic soda solution? (i) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+2}\) (ii) \(\mathrm{Zn}^{+2}\) (iii) \(\mathrm{Al}^{+3}\)

Which method is employed for the preparation of sulphate of \(\mathrm{Ba}\), \(\mathrm{Ca}\) and \(\mathrm{Pb}\) ?
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