The Word Equation for the Reaction between Nitric Acid and Calcium Carbonate

Understanding the reaction between nitric acid and calcium carbonate is essential for various scientific applications, including environmental studies, chemical manufacturing, and educational purposes. The reaction produces calcium nitrate, carbon dioxide, and water. Here, we will explore the word and chemical equation of this reaction along with its implications.

Word Equation

When calcium carbonate reacts with nitric acid, the products formed are calcium nitrate, carbon dioxide, and water. The word equation for this reaction is:

Calcium carbonate   Nitric acid → Calcium nitrate   Carbon dioxide   Water

In scientific notation, it can be represented as:

CaCO3   2HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2   H2O   CO2

Chemical Equation

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:

2HNO3 (aq)   CaCO3 (s) ? Ca(NO3)2 (aq)   H2O (l)   CO2 (g)

Breakdown of the Reaction

Making a step-by-step assessment of the reaction:

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3): A water-insoluble carbonate salt that decomposes when combined with nitric acid. Nitric acid (HNO3): A strong acid capable of dissolving many insoluble substances. Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2): A water-soluble salt product. Water (H2O): A liquid product formed during the reaction. Carbon dioxide (CO2): A gas released during the reaction.

The reaction can be summarized in the following balanced equation:

2HNO3 (aq)   CaCO3 (s) ? Ca(NO3)2 (aq)   H2O (l)   CO2 (g)

Reactants and Products

Reactants:

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3): A solid, white to pale yellow powder, insoluble in water, and widely used in industries for its properties and applications.

Nitric acid (HNO3): A strong, highly corrosive acid used in fertilizers, dyes, and explosives among other applications.

Products:

Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2): A water-soluble salt that can be used in fertilizers and as a reagent in chemical labs.

Water (H2O): A liquid compound essential for life, often used in various chemical reactions and industrial processes.

Carbon dioxide (CO2): A colorless, odorless gas, important in atmospheric studies and carbonated beverages.

Implications and Applications

The reaction of nitric acid with calcium carbonate has several implications and applications in science and industry:

Environmental Studies: Understanding the reaction can provide insights into carbon sequestration processes and atmospheric carbon levels.

Chemical Manufacturing: The production of calcium nitrate and nitrogen-based fertilizers uses this reaction.

Education: This reaction is commonly used in educational settings to demonstrate fundamental chemical reactions and principles.

Conclusion

The word equation for the reaction between nitric acid and calcium carbonate is:

Calcium carbonate   Nitric acid → Calcium nitrate   Carbon dioxide   Water

This can be represented in a more detailed chemical equation as:

2HNO3 (aq)   CaCO3 (s) ? Ca(NO3)2 (aq)   H2O (l)   CO2 (g)

Understanding the reaction and its components is crucial for numerous scientific and industrial applications, making it a cornerstone of chemical education and research.