Reacting acids with carbonates

4 marks · Normal

(a)

Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between calcium carbonate and nitric acid.

[2 marks]

(b)

Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium carbonate and sulfuric acid.

[2 marks]

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(a) \ce{CaCO3(s) + 2HNO3(aq) -> Ca(NO3)2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)}

(b) \ce{MgCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) -> MgSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)}

Also accept: Correct state symbols accepted but not required.

Common mistakes: Incorrect balancing; Wrong salt formula

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

M1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct reactants and products given for CaCO3 and HNO3

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Balanced equation for CaCO3 and HNO3

M2 (b) · 1 mark · Correct reactants and products given for MgCO3 and H2SO4

A2 (b) · 1 mark · Balanced equation for MgCO3 and H2SO4

Worked solution

a) Calcium carbonate with nitric acid gives calcium nitrate, carbon dioxide and water:

b) Magnesium carbonate with sulfuric acid gives magnesium sulfate, carbon dioxide and water: