MCAT General Chemistry Question 288: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 288

1. Carbonic acid is best described as:

  • A. amphoteric.
  • B. polyprotic.
  • C. a strong acid.
  • D. the conjugate acid for CO2.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B Even though the bicarbonate ion is amphoteric and can donate and accept a proton, carbonic acid cannot (eliminate choice A). Choice C is eliminated because carbonic acid is not one of the six strong acids you should know for the MCAT (HI, HBr, HCl, HClO4, H2SO4, HNO3). Choice D is false because carbon dioxide and carbonic acid cannot be a conjugate acid-base pair since they differ by more than one H+. Choice B is correct because carbonic acid has the ability to donate two protons, making it polyprotic.

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