Sodium bicarbonate has the formula NaHCO₃, and in solution, it gives aqueous Na+ ions and aqueous HCO₃^–  (bicarbonate) ions.

(a) Is the HCO₃^– ion the conjugate base of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)? (H₂CO₃ is a weak acid.) Explain.

(b) Is the HCO₃^–  ion the conjugate acid of carbonic ion (CO₃^2–)? [CO₃^2– is a weak base.] Explain.

(c) If you dissolve NaHCO₃ in water, will the resulting solution be acidic or basic? [The following information should help you decide.]

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HCO3 + H₂O → H₂CO3 + OH K₂ = 2.29 X 10-8 HCO3 + H₂O →CO3 + H₂O+ K₂ = 4.76 x 10-11