Science - Experiment - Metal Carbonates and Acid

Testing For Carbon Dioxide Gas

Aim: To show that carbon dioxide gas is produced when a metal carbonate reacts with acid.

Equipment: Two boiling tubes, delivery tube and bung, Bunsen burner, test tube rack, wooden splint, a bottle of acid, small amount of metal carbonate, test tube tongs, safety glasses.

Method: 

1. Light your Bunsen burner.

2. Add a 'pea-sized' amount of the metal carbonate into one of the boiling tubes.

3. Place the boiling tube into a test tube rack. Ensure you have the bung and delivery tube ready.

4. Add 5 mL of acid to the boiling tube and quickly insert the bung and delivery tube into the mouth of the boiling tube.

5. Holding the other boiling tube with your tongs, capture the gas produced.

6. When you think the tube is full, your lab partner should light a wooden splint.

7. Carefully remove the boiling tube from under the delivery tube, taking care to keep it facing upright.

8. Insert the burning splint into the mouth of the test tube.

Results:

Discussion:

The wooden splint was inserted into the boiling tube and the flame went out as soon as it touched the carbon dioxide- which was produced when the metal carbonate reacted with the acid in the conical flask and then travelled through the delivery tube and collected in the boiling tube where we carried out the rest of the experiment. 

Conclusion:  

Flame dissipates when it comes in contact with carbon dioxide.

Metal Carbonate + Acid ----> Salt + Carbon Dioxide