What is the result of the reaction between an acid and a metal carbonate?

What is the result of the reaction between an acid and a metal carbonate?

• A. Salt and water only
• B. Salt, water, and carbon dioxide
• C. Only carbon dioxide
• D. Acid and metal carbonate only

Answer: (B)

In the reaction between an acid and a metal carbonate, the primary products formed are salt, water, and carbon dioxide. When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate, the acid donates hydrogen ions (H+) which react with the carbonate ions (CO3^2-) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. This gas is often observed as bubbling or fizzing during the reaction. Simultaneously, the remaining ions from the acid and the metal from the carbonate combine to form a salt. Additionally, water is produced as a by-product from the reaction of the hydrogen ions with the oxide ions from the carbonate. This combination of products characterizes the reaction, making it distinct from other types of acid-base reactions that might yield just salt and water. The presence of carbon dioxide and the characteristic fizzing or gas evolution are key indicators of this reaction, confirming that salt, water, and carbon dioxide are the primary products formed. Therefore, the correct answer highlights all of these essential products resulting from the interaction between an acid and a metal carbonate.

In the reaction between an acid and a metal carbonate, the primary products formed are salt, water, and carbon dioxide. When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate, the acid donates hydrogen ions (H+) which react with the carbonate ions (CO3^2-) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. This gas is often observed as bubbling or fizzing during the reaction.

Simultaneously, the remaining ions from the acid and the metal from the carbonate combine to form a salt. Additionally, water is produced as a by-product from the reaction of the hydrogen ions with the oxide ions from the carbonate. This combination of products characterizes the reaction, making it distinct from other types of acid-base reactions that might yield just salt and water.

The presence of carbon dioxide and the characteristic fizzing or gas evolution are key indicators of this reaction, confirming that salt, water, and carbon dioxide are the primary products formed. Therefore, the correct answer highlights all of these essential products resulting from the interaction between an acid and a metal carbonate.