MHT CET202611 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryIonic EquilibriumActual
What happens when solid Na ₂ CO ₃ dissolved in water?
Options
- Aan increase in [ OH ^-]
- Bno change in pH
- Can increase in [ H ^+] ions
- Dturns blue litmus red.
Correct answer
A. an increase in [ OH ^-]
Step-by-step solution
Na ₂ CO ₃ is a salt of a strong base ( NaOH ) and a weak acid ( H ₂ CO ₃ ). When dissolved in water, it dissociates completely into Na ^+ and CO ₃²⁻ ions. The carbonate ion undergoes anionic hydrolysis: CO ₃²⁻ + H ₂ O HCO ₃^- + OH ^- This hydrolysis produces OH ^- ions, leading to an increase in [ OH ^-] concentration and making the solution basic. Answer: an increase in [ OH ^-]