The kind of particles present in carbonic acid are _______ .

Options

A. Ions
B. Molecules
C. Both (1) and (2)
D. None of these

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the kind of particles present in carbonic acid, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Chemical Formula**:
The chemical formula for carbonic acid is H₂CO₃.

**Hint**: Remember that the formula of a compound gives you insight into its composition.

2. **Understand the Nature of Carbonic Acid**:
Carbonic acid is classified as an acid, which means it has the ability to donate protons (H⁺ ions).

**Hint**: Consider the definition of acids in terms of their ability to donate protons.

3. **Dissociation of Carbonic Acid**:
When carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is in solution, it can dissociate into ions:
- It can lose one proton to form bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻).
- It can lose another proton to form carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻).

**Hint**: Think about how acids behave in solution and what products they form.

4. **Identify the Types of Particles Present**:
- H₂CO₃ is a molecule.
- HCO₃⁻ is an ion.
- CO₃²⁻ is also an ion.

**Hint**: Distinguish between molecules (neutral) and ions (charged) based on their characteristics.

5. **Conclusion**:
Since carbonic acid exists as both molecules (H₂CO₃) and ions (HCO₃⁻ and CO₃²⁻) in solution, the kind of particles present in carbonic acid are both ions and molecules.

**Final Answer**: The kind of particles present in carbonic acid are **both ions and molecules**.

### Final Answer:
The kind of particles present in carbonic acid are **both ions and molecules** (Option C).