Question

Which of the following is the \(K_b\) for the conjugate base of carbonic acid?

• A. \( \dfrac{[H_2CO_3][OH^-]}{[HCO_3^-]} \)
• B. \( \dfrac{[H_2CO_3]}{[HCO_3^-][OH^-]} \)
• C. \( \dfrac{[HCO_3^-]}{[H_2CO_3][OH^-]} \)
• D. \( [HCO_3^-] \)

Hint:

For acid-base equilibria, the conjugate base dissociation constant \(K_b\) is related to the equilibrium concentration of the conjugate base.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The \(K_b\) for the conjugate base of carbonic acid is the equilibrium constant for the base dissociation of bicarbonate ions, which is given by the expression for the concentration of \( [HCO_3^-] \).