What is the nature of an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate?

Explanation

To determine the nature of an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Dissolution of Sodium Carbonate
When sodium carbonate is added to water, it dissolves and dissociates into its constituent ions:
\[ \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 (s) \rightarrow 2 \text{Na}^+ (aq) + \text{CO}_3^{2-} (aq) \]

### Step 2: Hydrolysis of Carbonate Ion
The carbonate ion (\( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \)) can undergo hydrolysis in water. Hydrolysis is a reaction with water that leads to the formation of a weak acid and a strong base. The carbonate ion reacts with water to produce bicarbonate (\( \text{HCO}_3^- \)) and hydroxide ions (\( \text{OH}^- \)):
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