Carbon dioxide production
To show a characteristic reaction between carbonates and acids.
What students learn
The science behind this experiment
Carbon dioxide is a gas present in the atmosphere. In nature it occurs in the gases from volcanic eruptions and is produced by the respiration of both animals and plants. Plants also use this gas to synthesise organic molecules in photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide can be conveniently produced in the laboratory by the action of acids on carbonates.
Equipment used
- Iron stand — 5404.52
- Universal clamp — 5416.20
- Right angle clamp — 5401.16
- Conical flask 150 ml — 1323.20
- Rubber stopper, 2 holes — 5450.80
- Dropping funnel — 1359.00
- Right angle bent glass delivery tube — 1468.07
- Parafilm — 1646.00
Chemicals and reagents
- Calcium carbonate
- Hydrochloric acid — R:34-37 S:26-45
- Distilled water
Safety notes
Questions for students
- Observe. What is the reaction?
What to expect
<p>CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2↑ + H2O.</p><p>The glowing ember is extinguished because carbon dioxide cannot sustain combustion.</p>
Disposal
Dispose of the acid solution into the acids and bases waste container.
Run this experiment in your classroom
This experiment is part of the ATP Mobile Lab — a self-contained laboratory that turns an ordinary classroom into a working science lab, with over 200 experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, robotics and engineering. Gali, the AI tutor built into ATP Connect, guides students through each step and answers their questions at the bench.
See the Mobile LabTalk to our team