Question
What happens when solid Na _2 CO _3 dissolved in water?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Ionic Equilibrium
2026
MHT CET 2026 (11 April Shift 1)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. an increase in [ OH ^-]
- B. no change in pH
- C. an increase in [ H ^+] ions
- D. turns blue litmus red.
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 _3^ 2- ions. The carbonate ion undergoes anionic hydrolysis: CO _3^ 2- + 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 ^-]
Related: Chemistry — Ionic Equilibrium · All PYQ Banks