23 (a) A metal carbonate reacts with an acid to produce a salt and water and
carbon dioxide.
Complete the chemical equation for the reaction between calcium carbonate and
dilute hydrochloric acid.

When calcium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the products formed are calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. The complete balanced equation would look like this:

This reaction is not only a fundamental concept in chemistry but is also a classic example of an acid-carbonate reaction that produces a gas (CO₂), which you can observe with the fizzing and bubbling when the two react!

In practical terms, this reaction is commonly observed in activities like baking, where acidic components like vinegar react with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, leading to the rise of baked goods. So, the next time you see fizzing in your dough, you’ll know it’s a mini chemistry experiment in action!