Question

How do you balance `(NH_4)_2CO_3 + NaOH -> Na_2CO_3 + NH_3 + H_2O`?

Answer 1

`(NH_4)_2CO_3(aq) + 2NaOH rarr Na_2CO_3(aq) + 2NH_3(aq) + 2H_2O(l)`

Explanation:

The net ionic equation is simply an acid base reaction:

`NH_4^+ + HO^(-) rarr NH_3(aq) + H_2O(l)`

Given that a mineral acid will protonate a carbonate to give water and carbon dioxide gas, what would the reaction if sodium carbonate were treated with 2 equiv hydrochloric acid?