Reactions of Carbonates with Acids
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 7.1.4
Neutralisation of Acids
Acids can be neutralised by reacting with bases (an alkali is a base that dissolves in water). Metal carbonates, metal oxides and metal hydroxides are all examples of bases.
Metal carbonates
- Acid + carbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide.
- E.g. hydrochloric acid + calcium carbonate → calcium chloride + water + carbon dioxide
Metal oxides
- Acid + oxide → salt + water.
- E.g. hydrochloric acid + magnesium oxide → magnesium chloride + water.
Metal hydroxides
- Acid + hydroxide → salt + water.
- E.g. hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide → sodium chloride + water.
Test yourself on Reactions of Carbonates with Acids
Which of the following are products of the reaction of calcium carbonate and nitric acid?
What is formed when metal carbonates react with acids?
What are the products of reactions between metal carbonates and acids?