Na₂CO₃

Definition

Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is a white crystalline powder commonly used as a laboratory reagent. It consists of sodium ions (Na⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻). In chemistry, it can act as both an acid and a base depending on the conditions.

Related terms

Salt:

The product formed from replacing all or part of an acid's hydrogen ions with metal ions or ammonium ions.

Neutralization reaction: A chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces a salt and water.

Buffer solution: A solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added to it.