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:

1. Reaction with metal carbonates:
   \[\ce{Metal carbonate + Acid -> Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water}\]
   \[\ce{Na2CO3_{(s)} + 2HCl_{(aq)} -> 2NaCl_{(aq)} + H2O(l)  + CO2_{(g)}}\]
2. Reaction with metal oxides:
   \[\ce{Metal oxide + Acid -> Salt + Water}\]
   \[\ce{Na2O_{(s)} + 2HCl_{(aq)}  -> 2NaCl_{(aq)} + H2O_{(l)}}\]
3. Reaction with metal hydroxides:
   \[\ce{Metal hydroxide + Acid -> Salt + Water}\]
   \[\ce{NaOH_{(aq)} + HCl_{(aq)} -> NaCl_{(aq)} + H2O_{(l)}}\]