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Metal Carbonate - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Richard Boole

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A metal carbonate is a chemical compound made of a metal ion and carbonate ions (CO32-). These compounds are usually solids and often occur naturally in rocks.

When a metal carbonate reacts with an acid, it produces a salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas:

metal carbonate + acid → salt + water + carbon dioxide

This reaction is often observed by fizzing or bubbling, due to the release of carbon dioxide.

Common examples include:

  • Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) – found in limestone, chalk, and marble

  • Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) – used in washing soda

Understanding metal carbonates is important in GCSE Chemistry for studying acid–carbonate reactions, gas tests, and changes during chemical reactions.

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Richard Boole

Reviewer: Richard Boole

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