When acid reacts with a metal carbonate, it forms:
- AOption (a)
a base and water as products
- BOption (b)
salt and hydrogen gas only
- COption (c)
gas and solid precipitate only
- DOption (d)
salt, carbon dioxide, and water
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Correct answer
salt, carbon dioxide, and water
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is salt, carbon dioxide, and water.
Key Points
- When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate, the chemical reaction consistently produces three distinct products: a salt, carbon dioxide gas, and water.
- The general chemical word equation for this interaction is: Acid + Metal Carbonate → Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide.
- The formation of carbon dioxide is a characteristic feature of this reaction, usually manifesting as rapid effervescence or bubbling when the acid makes contact with the carbonate.
- The specific salt produced depends on the metal present in the carbonate and the anion of the acid used; for instance, Hydrochloric Acid reacting with Calcium Carbonate produces Calcium Chloride. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
- A base and water are typically products of a reaction between an acid and a metal oxide or hydroxide (neutralization), not a carbonate. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Hydrogen gas is released when an acid reacts with a metal, but not when it reacts with a metal carbonate. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- While a gas is produced, the other products (salt and water) are usually in aqueous or liquid states, not necessarily a solid precipitate in all cases. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Additional Information
- Chemical Identification of CO2: The carbon dioxide gas produced in this reaction can be identified using the lime water test. When the gas is passed through lime water (calcium hydroxide), it turns milky due to the formation of insoluble calcium carbonate.
- Metal Hydrogen Carbonates: Also known as bicarbonates, these compounds react with acids in the exact same manner as carbonates, yielding a salt, water, and carbon dioxide. An example is the reaction of Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) with citric acid or vinegar.
- Salt Formation: If Sulfuric Acid is used, the resulting salt will be a sulfate. If Nitric Acid is used, the salt will be a nitrate. The metal component comes directly from the metal carbonate reactant.
- Nature of Carbonates: Metal carbonates are considered basic in nature. Therefore, their reaction with acids is technically a form of neutralization, though the presence of the carbonate group (CO3) leads to the additional byproduct of carbon dioxide.
- Real-world Examples: This chemical principle is used in fire extinguishers (where acid and carbonate react to release CO2 to smother flames) and is also the reason why acid rain causes the erosion of statues and buildings made of limestone or marble, which are forms of calcium carbonate.
Important Points
- Equation for Calcium Carbonate: A standard laboratory example is 2HCl + CaCO3 → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2. This reaction involves Hydrochloric Acid and Calcium Carbonate (found in eggshells and chalk).
- Effervescence: The term effervescence refers to the escape of gas from an aqueous solution and the foaming or fizzing that results from that release.
- Limestone Weathering: In nature, when rainwater (which is slightly acidic due to dissolved CO2) reacts over long periods with limestone rocks, it leads to the formation of caves and sinkholes through this specific chemical breakdown.
