Final answer:
The reaction between ammonium carbonate and sodium hydroxide produces ammonia gas, water, and aqueous sodium carbonate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction between ammonium carbonate and sodium hydroxide is a chemical reaction that occurs when these two compounds are mixed. Ammonium carbonate ((NH₄)₂CO₃) will decompose in the presence of a strong base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In this reaction, the ammonium ion (NH₄+) reacts with the hydroxide ion (OH-) to produce ammonia (NH₃), water (H₂O), and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃).
The overall chemical equation for this reaction can be written as:
(NH₄)₂CO₃ (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq) → 2 NH₃ (g) + 2 H₂O (l) + Na₂CO₃ (aq)
In this equation, ammonium carbonate reacts with sodium hydroxide to yield ammonia gas, water, and aqueous sodium carbonate. It's important to note that ammonia gas is released in this reaction, which can be detected by its characteristic pungent smell.
Overall, this chemical reaction demonstrates the neutralization of an acidic salt (ammonium carbonate) by a strong base (sodium hydroxide) and the formation of water and a new salt (sodium carbonate).