* Hydrolysis: When sodium carbonate dissolves in water, it undergoes hydrolysis. This means it reacts with water molecules to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻), making the solution basic.

* Carbonate Ion: The carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) is a weak base. It accepts protons (H⁺) from water molecules, forming bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

* pH: Solutions of sodium carbonate have a pH greater than 7, indicating a basic solution.

Key Point: While sodium carbonate is a weak base, it's still a base! Its basic properties are evident from its ability to raise the pH of a solution.