MadSci Network: Chemistry |
I recently did an experiment in class, where I placed an egg (hard boiled) into a small beaker of vinegar (acetic acid). according to the chemical equation the reaction of the acetic acid and calcium carbonate of the egg shell produces calcium acetate and carbonic acid, which then decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. what I have been trying to prove is why the acid decomposes. my theory is that the energy given off by the spontaneous reaction of the calcium carbonate and acetic acid is enough to raise the produced carbonic acid to its activation energy for decomposing. first, is this correct? second, is this incorrect because the hydrogen in the carbonic acid is actually in the form of hyronium ions? thirdly, if that is incorrect am I even close? thank you for your time. Ben Trubits
Re: why does carbonic acid decompose when it is created with acetic acid?
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