Magnesium carbonate has the formula MgCO3. A student has two separate test tubes containing sulfuric acid. The student adds a spatula measure of magnesium carbonate, MgCO3, to the first test tube and a piece of magnesium to the second test tube. Explain what the student would see in each test tube and the tests that they should carry out to identify the gases produced. Your answer should include word equations for the reactions that would take place. – 9017

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1. When magnesium carbonate reacts with sulfuric acid, you see bubbles or fizzing – this is called effervescence. The magnesium carbonate gets smaller or dissolves as the reaction happens. The reaction is between a metal carbonate and an acid, which produces a salt, carbon dioxide gas, and water.

   The word equation is:

   magnesium carbonate + sulfuric acid → magnesium sulfate + carbon dioxide + water

   We know the gas is carbon dioxide because we can test it using limewater. When carbon dioxide is bubbled through limewater, the limewater turns cloudy.

   When magnesium metal is added to sulfuric acid, you also see bubbling or fizzing, showing a gas is being made. The magnesium gets smaller or dissolves in the acid. The gas produced is hydrogen.

   The word equation is:

   magnesium + sulfuric acid → magnesium sulfate + hydrogen

   To test for hydrogen, you hold a lit splint near the mouth of the test tube. If hydrogen is present, it makes a squeaky pop sound.

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