What ions are present in a NaHCO3 solution?

In a solution of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), when it dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. The sodium bicarbonate breaks down into sodium ions (Na+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).

The sodium ion is a cation, and it is positively charged, while the bicarbonate ion is an anion, carrying a single negative charge. This dissociation is crucial because it confirms the presence of these specific ions in solution.

Sodium ions are commonly found in various salts and are essential in maintaining electrochemical balance in biological systems. Bicarbonate ions play a significant role in buffering solutions and maintaining pH levels, which is particularly important in biological and environmental chemistry.

The other ions mentioned in the choices do not accurately represent the species in solution for sodium bicarbonate. There are no hydroxide (OH-) or chloride (Cl-) ions produced directly from the dissolution of NaHCO3, nor does it produce carbonate ions (CO3 2-) in significant amounts under neutral to mildly acidic conditions typically found in aqueous solutions. Thus, the correct presence of ions in a NaHCO3 solution is indeed sodium (Na+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-).