2.2 - Reactions of carbonates

Question 1

What happens to metal carbonates when they’re heated strongly enough?

Answer 1

They decompose to the metal oxide and carbon dioxide

Question 2

What are the products when zinc carbonate is heated strongly?

Answer 2

Zinc oxide and carbon dioxide

Question 3

Which carbonates can’t you decompose in most labs and why?

Answer 3

• Sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate

- A Bunsen burner flame cannot get hot enough to decompose them

Question 4

What happens when all carbonates are reacted with acids?

Answer 4

They produce a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas

Question 5

What are the products for the reaction of magnesium carbonate with hydrochloric acid?

Answer 5

Magnesium chloride, carbon dioxide and water

Question 6

Why is limestone damaged by acid rain?

Answer 6

The calcium carbonate in the limestone reacts with acids in the rain

Question 7

What can be used to test for carbon dioxide and how does this work?

Answer 7

• Calcium hydroxide solution, called limewater

- It turns cloudy when reacted with carbon dioxide because the reaction produces insoluble calcium carbonate