AP Human Geography OLD

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For carbonic acid, Ka1 = 4.3 × 10⁻⁷ and Ka2 = 4.7 × 10⁻¹¹. Which statement best explains why Ka1 is approximately 10,000 times larger than Ka2?

H₂CO₃ has more hydrogen atoms available for donation than HCO₃⁻ The second proton must be removed from HCO₃⁻, which is already negatively charged, requiring greater energy to overcome the electrostatic attraction CO₃²⁻ is a stronger base than HCO₃⁻, shifting equilibrium left The O–H bond in HCO₃⁻ is longer and therefore weaker than in H₂CO₃

Correct Answer:

The second proton must be removed from HCO₃⁻, which is already negatively charged, requiring greater energy to overcome the electrostatic attraction

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