9.1.5

Carbon Dioxide

Test yourself

Formation of Carbon Dioxide

When heated, carbonates can thermally decompose to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Illustrative background for Copper(II) carbonateIllustrative background for Copper(II) carbonate ?? "content

Copper(II) carbonate

  • An example of a carbonate that decomposes easily is copper(II) carbonate.
  • As it is heated, copper(II) carbonate breaks down into copper oxide and carbon dioxide. The equation for this reaction is:
    • Copper carbonate → copper oxide + carbon dioxide
    • CuCO3 → CuO + CO2
Illustrative background for Positive resultIllustrative background for Positive result ?? "content

Positive result

  • Copper carbonate is green and copper oxide is black.
  • You can see a colour change from green to black during the reaction.
Illustrative background for Testing for carbon dioxideIllustrative background for Testing for carbon dioxide ?? "content

Testing for carbon dioxide

  • Take an aqueous solution of limewater (calcium hydroxide) and bubble through the gas.
  • If the gas is carbon dioxide, the limewater solution will turn from clear to cloudy.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium