Carbonates are compounds formed between
a metal and the carbonate ion, (CO3)2-.
When a carbonate decomposes, a metal oxide and carbon dioxide gas are produced.
The general pattern of a decomposition of a carbonate reaction is:
MCO3
--> MO + CO2
(M is used to represent the metal. CO3
is carbonate.)
Look at the example below.
Example #1:
Na2CO3(s)
--> Na2O(s) + CO2(g)
Sodium carbonate decomposes to form sodium oxide and carbon dioxide gas.
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Now
let’s go step by step.
Predict the products when solid calcium carbonate decomposes.
Description
of Action |
Action |
| 1. Write the formula for the given reactant. |
CaCO3(s)
--> |
| 2. On the products side of the equation, write
the formulas for the metal oxide and carbon dioxide gas separated
by a + sign. Be sure to remember to cross charges between the metal
and oxygen when writing the formula for the metal oxide. |
CaCO3(s)
--> CaO(s) + CO2(g)
|
| 3. Balance the equation |
CaCO3(s)
--> CaO(s) + CO2(g)
(It is already balanced.) |
|
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