In aqueous solution the ionization constants for carbonic acid are and . Select the correct statement for a saturated solution of the carbonic acid.
- AThe concentration of is .
- BThe concentration of is greater than that of .
- CThe concentration of and are approximately equal.
- DThe concentration of is double that of .
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
For a diprotic acid like :Step 1: ()Step 2: ()Since , the concentration of and are primarily determined by the first dissociation step. In the first step, . The second dissociation is so small that it doesn't significantly change the concentration of .