A student mixes equimolar solutions of and

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Acids and bases · Acids and bases

Problem

A student mixes equimolar solutions of HCO3−(aq)HCO_3^-(aq) and HPO42−(aq)HPO_4^{2-}(aq). Four classmates suggest different proton-transfer equations to describe the principal reaction. Which equation is most likely to represent the predominant acid–base process? (a) No proton transfer occurs because both ions behave exclusively as bases in water. (b) HCO3−+HPO42−→CO32−+H2PO4−HCO_3^-+HPO_4^{2-}\to CO_3^{2-}+H_2PO_4^- (c) HCO3−+HPO42−→H2CO3+PO43−HCO_3^-+HPO_4^{2-}\to H_2CO_3+PO_4^{3-} (d) HCO3−+HPO42−→CO32−+PO43−HCO_3^-+HPO_4^{2-}\to CO_3^{2-}+PO_4^{3-}

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