Specify what ions are present upon dissolving each of the following substances in water: (b) K₂CO₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the formula given and recognize it as a salt. In this case, the formula is K₂CO₃, which is potassium carbonate.
2. Understand that dissolving an ionic compound in water typically results in the compound dissociating into its constituent ions.
3. Determine the ions that make up potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate consists of potassium ions (K⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃^2-).
4. Recognize that each formula unit of K₂CO₃ dissociates into two potassium ions and one carbonate ion in solution.
5. Conclude that when K₂CO₃ is dissolved in water, the ions present in the solution are K⁺ and CO₃^2-.

Key Concepts

Dissociation of Ionic Compounds

When ionic compounds like K₂CO₃ dissolve in water, they dissociate into their constituent ions. This process occurs because the polar water molecules surround and separate the individual ions, allowing them to disperse throughout the solution.

Ionic Composition of Potassium Carbonate

Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) consists of potassium ions (K⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃^2-). Each formula unit of K₂CO₃ produces two potassium ions and one carbonate ion when it dissolves in water.

Charge Balance in Solutions

In a solution, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. For K₂CO₃, the two K⁺ ions contribute a total charge of +2, which balances the -2 charge from the single CO₃^2- ion, ensuring electrical neutrality in the solution.