[minijumbuk]

So Na₂CO₃ is a Bronsted-Lowry base. But how can a solid be a base? If you stick a pH probe into some Na₂CO₃, will it give a measure of >7, assuming that there was no water molecules around?

[nj_bartel]

NaOH is a solid too.  You measure pH in solutions.

[minijumbuk]

Yes, but what is the aqueous form of Na2CO3? Doesn't it react with water, instead of simply dissolving in it?

[vhpk]

So Na₂CO₃ is a Bronsted-Lowry base. But how can a solid be a base? If you stick a pH probe into some Na₂CO₃, will it give a measure of >7, assuming that there was no water molecules around?

Base is a proton acceptor, and when sodium carbonate is in solid state, what will give it proton? When it's in solution, the dissociation occurs, I suppose you can write the equation yourself. Hence, the solution is basic

[minijumbuk]

But does Na2CO3 dissolve in water, or does it react with it?

[vhpk]

But does Na2CO3 dissolve in water, or does it react with it?

So show me what you think " reaction " is and " dissociation" is ?

[Mitch]

It dissolves and reacts.

[minijumbuk]

Dissolve: CO2 _(g)<-^H2O-> CO2_(aq)

React: 2Na (s) + 2H2O (l) --> 2NaOH + H2

Is that correct?