Question

How is the neutralisation of a carbonate with an acid different from the neutralisation of an oxide or a hydroxide?

Answer 1

Metal carbonates react with acids to give a corresponding salt, carbon dioxide and water.

The reaction can be represented as follows:

\[\ce{Metal carbonate + Acid -> Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water}\]

Example:

\[\ce{Na2CO3_{(s)} + 2HCl_{(aq)} -> 2NaCl_{(aq)} + H2O(l)  + O2_{(g)}}\]

However, the neutralisation of an oxide or a hydroxide with an acid gives only a salt and water.

\[\ce{Metal oxide + Acid -> Salt + Water}\]

Example:

\[\ce{Na2O + 2HCl  -> 2NaCl + H2O}\]

\[\ce{Metal hydroxide + Acid -> Salt + Water}\]

Example:

\[\ce{NaOH + HCl -> NaCl + H2O}\]