Answer:
This is because the carbonate ion (CO32-) is a base, and when it reacts with an acid, it neutralizes the acid and forms a salt. The carbon dioxide that is produced is a byproduct of this reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction between an acid and a carbonate can be represented by the following general equation:
Acid + Carbonate --> Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide
For example, the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) can be written as:
HCl + Na2CO3 --> 2NaCl + H2O + CO2
In this equation, hydrochloric acid and sodium carbonate react to form sodium chloride (table salt), water, and carbon dioxide.
It's important to note that not all acids will react with carbonates. For example, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong acid, but it does not react with carbonates. This is because sulfuric acid is a strong dehydrating agent and will remove water from the reaction, preventing the formation of carbon dioxide.