What gas is produced when copper(II) carbonate reacts with nitric acid?

Prepare for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test with engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with detailed hints and explanations to enhance your learning experience. Master your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

What gas is produced when copper(II) carbonate reacts with nitric acid?

Explanation:
When a carbonate reacts with an acid, carbon dioxide is released. Here, copper(II) carbonate reacts with nitric acid to form copper(II) nitrate, carbon dioxide, and water. The balanced equation is CuCO3 + 2 HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O, so the gas evolving is CO2. Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen dioxide aren’t produced in this typical carbonate–acid reaction; hydrogen would come from a metal reacting with acid, and nitrogen dioxide would come from other, less common nitration or decomposition pathways, not this carbonate–acid mix.

When a carbonate reacts with an acid, carbon dioxide is released. Here, copper(II) carbonate reacts with nitric acid to form copper(II) nitrate, carbon dioxide, and water. The balanced equation is CuCO3 + 2 HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O, so the gas evolving is CO2. Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen dioxide aren’t produced in this typical carbonate–acid reaction; hydrogen would come from a metal reacting with acid, and nitrogen dioxide would come from other, less common nitration or decomposition pathways, not this carbonate–acid mix.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy