Chemical reactions: acid and metal carbonate
I can describe what happens when a metal carbonate reacts with an acid and write chemical equations to describe these reactions.
Chemical reactions: acid and metal carbonate
I can describe what happens when a metal carbonate reacts with an acid and write chemical equations to describe these reactions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A group of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms bonded together is called a carbonate group.
- Metal carbonate + acid → salt + water + carbon dioxide
- The test for carbon dioxide gas is to bubble it through limewater as it turns the solution cloudy (milky).
- Rain water is usually a little acidic and when it is more acidic than normal it is called acid rain.
- Acid rain reacts with marble to produce a salt, water and carbon dioxide, using up some of the marble.
Keywords
Chemical weathering - when rocks are broken down by a chemical change, for example reactions with acid rain
Limewater - a colourless solution which is used to test for carbon dioxide. It turns cloudy/milky white when carbon dioxide is bubbled through it
Chemical test - when a chemical reaction is carried out to determine the presence of a substance
Acid rain - rainwater that is more acidic than usual due to air pollution, usually caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
Common misconception
Pupils think that acids ‘eat away’ materials and disappear. They observe reactions and see the loss of a reactant, but do not recognise the formation of a new soluble product.
Ensure that pupils understand the concept of solubility and use the words soluble and dissolve when describing the production of metal salts during these reactions.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: acid and metal carbonate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: acid and metal carbonate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Acids and bases unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Limewater, conical flask with bung and delivery tube, acid, clamp and stand, test tube, test tube rack.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
carbon
calcium
oxygen
carbon dioxide
formed when a substance is dissolved in water
a liquid in which a solute dissolves
a compound formed when an acid reacts with a base
when an acid and a base react to produce a neutral solution
Exit quiz
6 Questions
produces a squeaky pop
relights a glowing splint
turns limewater cloudy