Why is nahco3 a base?

(i need someone to explain it using the ka values)

h2co3 < --> hco3- + h+ ka = 4.3x10^-7
hco3- < --> co3^2- + h+ ka = 5.61x10^-11

if i underestand correctly, the kb for the second equation is greater than the ka. thus the reaction will not proceed forward, but rather produce more hco3-. this is a basic tendency. why is it more powerful than the first reaction?

everyone!

NaHCO3 is a product of a strong base and a weak acid reaction. Thus it has weak basic properties.

HCO3- ion is actually amphoteric, which means it can act as a base or an acid. But it is weaker than a strong acid or a strong base.

HCO3- is amphoteric meaning it acts both as a B.L. Acid and a B.L. Base.. which is why it's used to neutralize both acid and base spills in the lab.

for step 7 table c on the lab "newtons law of action"   the average time it took the car to travel .25 meters   was 1.92 seconds.

the average time it took the car to travel 0.50 meters was 2.61 seconds

hope this : )