Name the salt produced if sodium carbonate reacts with dilute nitric acid ? Write the equation.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
When sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) reacts with dilute nitric acid (HNO₃), the salt produced is sodium nitrate (NaNO₃). The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is as follows:
[
\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 (s) + 2 \text{HNO}_3 (aq) \rightarrow 2 \text{NaNO}_3 (aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O} (l) + \text{CO}_2 (g)
]
Explanation:
In this reaction, sodium carbonate, a salt, reacts with nitric acid, a strong acid, to form sodium nitrate, carbon dioxide, and water. Sodium carbonate is an alkaline substance, while nitric acid is acidic. When these two react, they undergo an acid-base reaction.
**1. *Acid-Base Reaction:* In this context, sodium carbonate acts as a base, neutralizing the acid (HNO₃). The carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) reacts with the hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the nitric acid.
**2. *Formation of Products:* The carbonate ion reacts with two moles of hydrogen ions to form water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The reaction produces sodium nitrate, which is a soluble salt in water. The carbon dioxide is released as a gas, which can be observed as fizzing or bubbling during the reaction.
**3. *Role of Water:* Water is produced as a byproduct in this reaction. It is crucial as it helps dissolve the sodium nitrate formed, making it easier to handle in solution.
**4. *Practical Implications:* This reaction is commonly seen in laboratory settings where carbonate compounds are used to neutralize acids, and it also has practical applications in the production of fertilizers. Sodium nitrate is an important fertilizer in agriculture because it provides a readily available source of nitrogen, essential for plant growth.
Overall, the reaction between sodium carbonate and dilute nitric acid exemplifies fundamental principles of acid-base chemistry and demonstrates the production of important chemical compounds with various applications in both industrial and agricultural sectors.