The Acid/Carbonate Reaction

• When an acid reacts with a carbonate, a salt, water and carbon dioxide are formed. This is called the Acid/Carbonate reaction.

• The general equation representing these reactions is: Acid + Carbonate -> Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide.

• For example, consider the reaction between hydrochloric acid (a strong acid) and calcium carbonate (a common carbonate): Hydrochloric acid + Calcium Carbonate -> Calcium Chloride (a salt) + Water + Carbon Dioxide.

• The reaction between an acid and a carbonate is a type of neutralisation reaction because the acid is neutralised by the carbonate.

• Carbonates react with acids to produce a salt, which is named based on the acid and carbonate used. For example, nitric acid reacts with calcium carbonate to produce calcium nitrate.

• The production of carbon dioxide can be used as a test for the presence of carbonates. When carbonates react with acid, they effervesce (fizz) due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.

• Commonly tested reactions in this category may include; sulfuric acid with sodium carbonate, nitric acid with potassium carbonate and hydrochloric acid with calcium carbonate. Understand these reactions!

• It’s important to always handle acids with care. Goggles and gloves should be worn during experiments to protect the skin and eyes.

• Indicators can be used to see whether an acid or a base is present. In the case of the Acid/Carbonate reaction, the solution would start off acidic (due to the acid) and then, once all of the acid has reacted, the solution would become neutral.

• During revision, focus on understanding the underlying concepts, not just memorising the reactions. Knowing why the reactions occur the way they do can greatly help in understanding the overall topic.