The balanced chemical equation between copper carbonate and hydrochloric acid is:
CuCO₃(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CuCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)
Understanding the Reactants and Products
This chemical reaction involves the interaction of a metal carbonate with an acid, producing a salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas.
- Copper Carbonate (CuCO₃): This is a green, insoluble solid (s). It acts as the base in this reaction.
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): This is a strong acid, typically found as an aqueous solution (aq). It provides the hydrogen ions necessary for the reaction.
Upon reaction, the following products are formed:
- Copper(II) Chloride (CuCl₂): A soluble salt that forms a blue-green aqueous solution (aq). This is the new ionic compound formed.
- Water (H₂O): A common liquid (l) product in many acid-base reactions.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A gas (g) that is typically observed as bubbles during the reaction.
The Chemical Equation Explained
The balanced equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides, adhering to the law of conservation of mass.
| Reactants (Left Side) | Products (Right Side) |
|---|---|
| CuCO₃(s) | CuCl₂(aq) |
| 2HCl(aq) | H₂O(l) |
| CO₂(g) |
Let's break down the balancing:
- Copper (Cu): 1 atom on both sides.
- Carbon (C): 1 atom on both sides.
- Oxygen (O): 3 atoms in CuCO₃ on the left; 1 in H₂O and 2 in CO₂ (total 3) on the right.
- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms in 2HCl on the left; 2 atoms in H₂O on the right.
- Chlorine (Cl): 2 atoms in 2HCl on the left; 2 atoms in CuCl₂ on the right.
Why This Reaction Occurs
This is a classic example of an acid-carbonate reaction, which is also a type of double displacement reaction with gas evolution. When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate, carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is initially formed, which then quickly decomposes into water and carbon dioxide.
Key characteristics and observations of this reaction include:
- Effervescence: The production of carbon dioxide gas causes fizzing or bubbling.
- Color Change: The green solid copper carbonate will disappear as it reacts, and a blue-green solution of copper(II) chloride will form.
- Heat Change: The reaction can be exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
This reaction is fundamental in understanding inorganic chemistry and is often demonstrated in educational settings to illustrate acid-base reactions and the formation of gases.
