H2CO3 is what type of acid/base?

Answer 1

Hi Hayley,

That's a very good question! H₂CO₃ is a carbonic acid. It is considered a weak acid, as it does not dissociate fully when in water. It is also considered as a diprotic acid because it has 2 hydrogens to donate, one at a time, when reacted with base.

Fun fact, carbonic acid is used in our body to regulate pH level. When mixed with its conjugate base, HCO₃^-, it creates a solution known as buffer. Buffers are great at pH maintenance as the solution does not change its pH when another acid or base are added.

Hope that answers your question!

Best,

Riana