| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Magnesium carbonate will fizz (effervesce) when hydrochloric acid is added. Carbon dioxide is the gas being released, while the magnesium is entering the solution as ions. (magnesioum chloride).
This is a classic reaction base plus acid gives salt plus water. The water ionises (dissolves) the magnesium carbonate.
If you like equations, here is one for you to balance (get the number of
each atom to the same total on each side of the equation):
MgCO3 + HCl = MgCl2 + H2O + CO2
Most of the CO2 is expelled as gas. Some remains as ions (carbonic acid) How much? It depends on the temperature...
David
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