Sodium carbonate is used in the manufacture of paper. What is the chemical formula for this compound? Express your answer as a chemical formula.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Na₂CO₃
Explanation
Sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is an important inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃. It consists of two sodium ions (Na⁺) and one carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). The compound is ionic in nature, formed by the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ions and the negatively charged carbonate ion.
Sodium (Na) belongs to Group 1 (alkali metals) of the periodic table and has a +1 charge in its ionic form. Carbonate (CO₃²⁻) is a polyatomic ion with a −2 charge. To balance the charges in the formula, two Na⁺ ions are needed for every one CO₃²⁻ ion, resulting in the formula Na₂CO₃.
Sodium carbonate is widely used in various industrial processes, including the manufacture of paper. In papermaking, sodium carbonate serves as a buffering agent to control pH during the pulping and bleaching processes. Maintaining the correct pH is crucial because it affects the efficiency of chemical reactions, the quality of the paper, and the stability of additives used in the process.
Beyond papermaking, Na₂CO₃ has numerous other applications. It is used in the production of glass, detergents, and soaps. It also plays a role in water softening, where it helps precipitate calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness.
In its solid form, sodium carbonate appears as a white, water-soluble powder. When dissolved in water, it forms an alkaline solution, which is another reason it’s useful in industrial and household cleaning products.
In summary, Na₂CO₃ is the correct chemical formula for sodium carbonate. Its unique properties—such as high alkalinity, solubility, and buffering capacity—make it a valuable compound in paper manufacturing and many other industries.
