Question

How do metal carbonates and metal hydrogen carbonates react with acids?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that metals are crystalline substances. They are good conductors of electricity and easily lose electrons to form positively charged ions (cations). In the question metal carbonates and metal hydrogen carbonates both are bases. Molecular formula for metal carbonates is $CO_3^{2 - }$ and can be considered as carbonate ester. Metal hydrogen carbonates are known as metal bicarbonates.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that hydrogen carbonates are stable only in solution form. In the given question, the reaction of metal carbonates and metal hydrogen carbonates with acids is asked and we can explain it as;
The reaction of metal carbonates and metal hydrogen carbonates with acids yield salt, carbon dioxide and water. This can be performed in the laboratory.
${\text{Acid + Metal carbonate}} \to {\text{Salt + Water + Carbon dioxide}}$
Eg of metal carbonate;
$N{a_2}C{O_{3\left( s \right)}} + 2HC{l_{\left( l \right)}} \to 2NaC{l_{\left( {aq} \right)}} + {H_2}O + C{O_2}$
$CaC{O_{3\left( g \right)}} + HC{l_{\left( l \right)}} \to CaC{l_{2\left( {aq} \right)}} + {H_2}{O_{\left( l \right)}} + C{O_{2\left( {aq} \right)}}$
Eg of metal hydrogen carbonate;
$NaHC{O_{3\left( s \right)}} + HC{l_{\left( l \right)}} \to NaC{l_{\left( {aq} \right)}} + {H_2}{O_{\left( l \right)}} + C{O_{2\left( g \right)}}$

Additional information: As we go higher in the series the more reactive the metal the more stable it is and this property is shown by metal carbonates. $N{a_2}C{O_3}$ (Sodium carbonate) also known as soda ash. Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda. We must know that carbonates have the ability to turn the litmus paper blue.

Note:
We have to remember that the metal hydrogen carbonates undergo decomposition and form carbonates, water and carbon dioxide. It should be noted that the salt obtained can be named as per the metal used in the reaction. The general formula for metal carbonates is $MX{\left( {C{O_3}} \right)_y}$ . There are three groups of carbonates and they are calcite, dolomite and aragonite. We must remember that the carbonic is the acid which forms both carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.