What happens when carbonates react with acids?

When carbonates react with acids, they produce a salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas.

In more detail, this reaction is a type of acid-base reaction, where the carbonate acts as a base and the acid as, well, an acid. The carbonate ion (CO3 2-) reacts with the hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This is why you see bubbles or fizzing when you mix an acid with a carbonate - that's the carbon dioxide gas being released.

The other product of the reaction is a salt. The type of salt that forms depends on the specific acid and carbonate that are reacting. For example, if you react hydrochloric acid (HCl) with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), you'll get sodium chloride (NaCl), which is table salt, along with water and carbon dioxide.

The general equation for this reaction is:

Acid + Carbonate → Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide

This is an important concept in GCSE Chemistry, as it's a good example of a gas-forming reaction. It's also a practical way to produce carbon dioxide in the lab. Plus, it's a key part of the carbon cycle in nature, where carbonates in rocks react with acids in rainwater to release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Remember, safety is important when carrying out these reactions in a lab setting. Always wear safety goggles and follow your teacher's instructions.