Metal Carbonates and Acid

Aim: to show that carbon gas is produced when a metal carbonate reacts with acid.

Equipment: Two boiling tube and bung, Bunsen burner, test tube rack, wooden splint, a bottle of acid, small amount of metal carbonate, test tube tongs, safety glasses.

Method: 1. light your Bunsen burner.
2.  Add a 'pea-sized' amount of the metal carbonate into one of the boiling tubes.
3. Place this boiling tube into a test tube rack, ensure you have the bung and delivery tube ready.
4. Add 5 mL of acid to the boiling tube and quickly insert the bung and delivery tube into the mouth of the boiling tube.
5. Holding the other boiling tube with your tongs, capture the gas produced as showen in the diagram below.
6. When you think the tube is full, your lab partner should light a wooden splint.
7. Carefully remove the boiling tube from under the delivery tube, taking care to keep it facing upright.
8. Insert the burning splint into the mouth of the test tube.