Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)

CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2

Overview

Calcium carbonate, found in Tums antacid tablets, neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbonate ion acts as a base, accepting protons from HCl. The CO₂ evolved can cause belching.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Calcium Carbonate CaCO₃ 1 (s)
Reactant Hydrochloric Acid HCl 2 (aq)
Product Water H₂O 1 (l)
Product Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 1 (g)

Everyday Example

Tums antacid tablets work by this exact reaction, neutralizing excess stomach acid and providing relief from heartburn.

Industrial Importance

Calcium carbonate is used extensively in acid neutralization applications including water treatment, flue gas desulfurization, and soil pH adjustment in agriculture.

Properties

Type
Acid-Base
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-15.3 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)?
The balanced equation is: CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂.
What type of reaction is Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)?
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid) is a acid-base reaction.
Is Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid) exothermic or endothermic?
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -15.3 kJ/mol.