1. Write the balanced chemical equation:

The reaction between carbon and water to form carbonic acid is:

C + 2H₂O → H₂CO₃

2. Determine the limiting reactant:

* Moles of carbon: 44 g C / 12.01 g/mol = 3.66 mol C

* Moles of water: 18 g H₂O / 18.02 g/mol = 1.00 mol H₂O

From the balanced equation, 1 mole of carbon reacts with 2 moles of water. Since we have less water (1 mol) than the amount needed to react with all the carbon (3.66 mol), water is the limiting reactant.

3. Calculate the mass of carbonic acid formed:

* Moles of carbonic acid formed: Since 2 moles of water produce 1 mole of carbonic acid, 1 mole of water will produce 0.5 moles of carbonic acid.

* Mass of carbonic acid: 0.5 mol H₂CO₃ * 62.03 g/mol = 31.02 g H₂CO₃

Therefore, 31.02 grams of carbonic acid will be formed.