`Na_(2)CO_(3)` is a salt of

Options

A. strong acid and strong base
B. strong acid and weak base
C. weak acid and strong base
D. weak acid and weak base

Explanation

To determine the nature of the salt Na₂CO₃, we need to analyze its components and their origins. Here's a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the components of Na₂CO₃
Na₂CO₃ is composed of sodium ions (Na⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻).

### Step 2: Determine the origin of the ions
- Sodium ions (Na⁺) come from sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is a strong base.
- Carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) come from carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which is a weak acid.

### Step 3: Analyze the dissociation in water
When Na₂CO₃ is dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \rightarrow 2 \text{Na}^+ + \text{CO}_3^{2-} \]

### Step 4: Consider the interaction with water
In water, the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) can react with water to form bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻):
\[ \text{CO}_3^{2-} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{HCO}_3^{-} + \text{OH}^- \]

### Step 5: Determine the nature of the salt
- The presence of Na⁺ indicates a strong base (NaOH).
- The presence of CO₃²⁻ indicates a weak acid (H₂CO₃).

Since Na₂CO₃ is derived from a strong base (NaOH) and a weak acid (H₂CO₃), we can conclude that Na₂CO₃ is a salt of a strong base and a weak acid.

### Final Answer
Na₂CO₃ is a salt of a strong base and a weak acid.

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