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Acids & Carbonates (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Written by: Philippa Platt

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Oxford AQA ChemistryOxford AQA Combined Science Double Award: Chemistry

When Acids are Neutralised by Metal Carbonates, What is Formed?

Reactions of Metal Carbonates and Acids

  • Acids will react with metal carbonates to form the corresponding metal salt, carbon dioxide and water

acid + metal carbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide

  • These reactions are easily distinguishable from acid – metal oxide/hydroxide reactions due to the presence of effervescence caused by the carbon dioxide gas

    • We can test for the presence of carbon dioxide gas by bubbling it through limewater

    • If the limewater turns milky or cloudy carbon dioxide is present

  • The following are some specific examples of reactions between acids and metal carbonates:

hydrochloric acid + sodium carbonate ⟶ sodium chloride + water + carbon dioxide

2HCl + Na2CO3 ⟶ 2NaCl + H2O + CO2

sulfuric acid + calcium carbonate ⟶ calcium sulfate + water + carbon dioxide

H2SO4 + CaCO3⟶ CaSO4 + H2O + CO2

Examiner Tips and Tricks

If in an acid-base reaction there is effervescence produced then the base must be a metal carbonate which produces carbon dioxide gas.

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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.