Question

How does the acidity of water affect the mass of seashells that have been submerged in it overnight?? I need a balanced chemical equation for the calcium carbonate shells reacting with hydrochloride acid

Answer 1

The mass of seashells, made of calcium carbonate, decreases when submerged in acidic water due to a chemical reaction with the acid. The reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid produces calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water, which results in the dissolution of the shell material.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acidity of water can significantly affect the mass of seashells, primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When seashells are submerged in acidic water, they react with the acid, leading to the dissolution of calcium carbonate. This process is enhanced by the presence of acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Chemical Reaction

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid is:

CaCO3 (s) + 2 HCl (aq) → CaCl2 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

When hydrochloric acid reacts with calcium carbonate, the resulting products are calcium chloride (CaCl2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O). Due to this reaction, seashells lose mass as the calcium carbonate dissolves and forms calcium ions and bicarbonate ions in solution.

Answer 2

Answer is: the acidity of water reduce the mass of seashells.

Balanced chemical reaction:
CaCO₃(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl₂(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l).
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) dissolves in hydrochloric acid and gas carbon(IV) oxide is formed.
Calcium carbonate is inorganic salt insoluble in water, but soluble in acidic solutions.