Carbonate tests

Question 1

What are carbonate tests based on?

Answer 1

Gas formation

Question 2

What do carbonates form when they react with acids?

Answer 2

A salt
A gas
A harmless liquid

Question 3

Write the equation, with state symbols, for the reaction of sodium carbonate with nitric acid

Answer 3

Na2CO3 (aq) + 2 HNO3 (aq) → 2NaNO3 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

Question 4

What acid is used with an unknow solid or solution to identify carbonates?

Answer 4

Dilute nitric acid

Question 5

How do we know if the unknown compound could be a carbonate?

Answer 5

Observe bubbles

Question 6

How do we prove the gas being formed is CO2 in the unknown compound, write the equation?

Answer 6

Ca(OH)2 (aq) + CO2 (g) → CaCO3 (s) + H2O (l)

Question 7

What is test for carbon dioxide?

Answer 7

Bubble the gas through limewater
Water turns milky

Question 8

What is the formula for carbonate ions?

Answer 8

CO32-

Question 9

Why is the carbonate test always undertaken first?

Answer 9

There is no risk of an incorrect conclusion being made