Why is nahco3 a base?

(i need someone to explain it using the ka values)

h2co3 < --> hco3- + h+ ka = 4.3x10^-7
hco3- < --> co3^2- + h+ ka = 5.61x10^-11

if i underestand correctly, the kb for the second equation is greater than the ka. thus the reaction will not proceed forward, but rather produce more hco3-. this is a basic tendency. why is it more powerful than the first reaction?

everyone!

NaHCO3 is a product of a strong base and a weak acid reaction. Thus it has weak basic properties.

HCO3- ion is actually amphoteric, which means it can act as a base or an acid. But it is weaker than a strong acid or a strong base.

HCO3- is amphoteric meaning it acts both as a B.L. Acid and a B.L. Base.. which is why it's used to neutralize both acid and base spills in the lab.

you did not give any options thus this is the best answer i can give to you with this little information you have given

> they are both natural and not man made

> they can be tracked and predicted by the right tools

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