Which direction will the equilibrium lie for this reaction? H2SO3(aq) + HCO3-(aq) ⇌ HSO3-(aq) + H2CO3(aq) Ka1( H2SO3) = 1 x 10-2; Ka1(H2CO3) = 4 x 10-7

Question

Middle, Left, or Right?

Answer 1

Assuming these were dissolved in an aqueous solution, the equilibrium will tend toward the more neutral species, in this case, the weaker acid (but it can be generalized to bases as well). A neutral aqueous solution had a pH of 7 (concentration of hydronium and hydroxide of 10^-7), meaning equilibrium will lean towards having the acid (or base) with pKa (or pKb) value closest to 10^-7. Hope this helps!