Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid
CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
Overview
Calcium carbonate (limestone or marble) reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. This is the reaction used to test for carbonate minerals by adding acid and observing effervescence. Marble fizzes when acid is dropped on it.
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
Antacid tablets like Tums contain calcium carbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid via this reaction, releasing CO2 that may cause burping.
Industrial Importance
This reaction is used in limestone quarrying quality control, in the production of calcium chloride for road de-icing, and in acid neutralization in water treatment.
Properties
- Type
- Double Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -15.3 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke)
Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation
Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate
Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test)
Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid
Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide
Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide
Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain)
Magnesium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid?
The balanced equation is: CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂.
What type of reaction is Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid?
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid is a double replacement reaction.
Is Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -15.3 kJ/mol.