I am stuck in the following in my homework.

BaC/2 and Na2CO3 turns different colors when the same indicator is added to each? Why does this happen? How is the ph of each of these different?
I have tried on this one and cannot get it. Thanks for our help.

Bob

What in the world is BaC/2? Could that be BaCl2? and Na2CO3.

BaCl2 is the salt of a strong base and a strong acid; therefore, the pH of the salt is neutral.
Na2CO3 is the salt of strong base and a weak acid; therefore the pH of the salt is basic.

In other terms which you may be studying (Bronsted-Lowry acids/baes).
Both Ba^2+ and Cl^- are weaker acid and base than water so the solution is neutral.
CO3^2- is a stronger base than H2O; therefore, the CO3^2- extracts a H^+ from H2O to form HCO3^- like this.
CO3^2- + HOH ==> HCO3^- + OH^-
That releases the OH^- and the solution is basic.

Thank you Dr.! So sorry, I typed a slash instead of an l; too many hours at this. In looking at this, i get it now. Thank you for such a complete answer.

Bob

To understand why BaC/2 and Na2CO3 turn different colors when the same indicator is added, we need to consider the nature of the two compounds and their effect on the pH.

1. BaC/2: This is most likely meant to refer to "BaCl2," which is barium chloride. Barium chloride is an ionic compound that dissociates in water to release Ba2+ and Cl- ions. Ba2+ is a cation with a charge of +2.

2. Na2CO3: This is sodium carbonate. It is also an ionic compound that dissociates in water to release Na+ and CO3 2- ions. CO3 2- is an anion with a charge of -2.

Now, let's consider the effect of these ions on the pH:

- Ba2+ ions are generally considered to be inert and do not have a significant effect on the pH. They are not actively involved in any acid or base reactions.

- CO3 2- ions, on the other hand, can act as a base. When dissolved in water, they can accept a proton (H+) from water to form HCO3- (bicarbonate) ions. This reaction leads to an increase in the pH of the solution, making it more basic.

So, when the same indicator is added to BaCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions, it will detect the difference in pH caused by the presence of bicarbonate ions in the Na2CO3 solution. This detection manifests as a different color change.

To determine the exact pH difference between BaCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions, you would need to measure the pH using a pH meter or pH indicator paper.