Carbonic acid occurs in carbonated beverages. When allowed to react with lithium hydroxide it produces lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is used to treat depression and bipolar disorder. Write chemical formulas for carbonic acid, lithium hydroxide, and lithium carbonate.

Carbonic acid plays a significant role in our everyday life, most notably in the fizz of carbonated beverages. Formally, carbonic acid is the result of carbon dioxide gas (\( CO_2 \)) dissolving in water (\( H_2O \)). This aqueous solution forms a weak acid, known scientifically as carbonic acid (\( H_2CO_3 \)). Its formation is crucial in many biological and geological processes as well.

The process can be described as follows: When \( CO_2 \) mixes with \( H_2O \), they react to form \( H_2CO_3 \). This chemical reaction is also vital for maintaining the pH balance in blood and in the formation of bicarbonate in our bodies, which is essential for buffering acids.

As a weak acid, carbonic acid donates a hydrogen ion (\( H^+ \)) to other substances, which is a key characteristic in acid-base chemistry. In industrial settings, the balance between \( CO_2 \), \( H_2O \), and \( H_2CO_3 \) helps control the pH level of various solutions, which is important for processes such as fermentation and the production of soft drinks.

Lithium hydroxide (\( LiOH \)) is a white, crystalline substance commonly used in industrial applications, such as the purification of gases, and as a reactant in the production of other lithium compounds.

It consists of a lithium ion (\( Li^+ \)) and a hydroxide ion (\( OH^- \)), which together form an ionic compound. In an aqueous solution, lithium hydroxide can act as a strong base, which means it readily accepts hydrogen ions. This characteristic allows it to neutralize acids, which is why it reacts with carbonic acid to form lithium carbonate in our textbook example.

The use of lithium hydroxide is not limited to industrial reactions; it also plays a crucial role in life support systems for space missions, such as being used in scrubbers to remove carbon dioxide from the air, ensuring astronauts can breathe without excess \( CO_2 \) buildup.

Lithium carbonate (\( Li_2CO_3 \)) is a salt derived from lithium and carbonate ions. It is particularly well-known for its medicinal use in the treatment of mood disorders, like bipolar disorder and depression.

The compound is formed by the reaction between lithium hydroxide and carbonic acid, which we have addressed in our exercise. The lithium ion (\( Li^+ \)), with a positive charge, combines with the carbonate ion (\( CO_3^{2-} \)), which carries a negative charge, resulting in a stable ionic compound with the formula \( Li_2CO_3 \).

In addition to its medicinal purposes, lithium carbonate is also used industrially. It is employed in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, and aluminum. Its unique chemical and physical properties are instrumental in improving the quality and durability of these materials. Understanding the reactions that produce lithium carbonate is pivotal, not just in chemistry but also in various industries and healthcare fields.