Question #be1e2

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
May 2, 2017

Magnesium carbonate will release the greatest volume of carbon dioxide.

Explanation:

The carbonates are all 1:1 salts with the general formula #"MCO"_3#.

They react with sulfuric acid per the equation

#"MCO"_3 + "H"_2"SO"_4 → "MSO"_4 + "H"_2"O" + "CO"_2#

Thus, 1 mol of each carbonate produces 1 mol of carbon dioxide.

However, #"PbSO"_4, "CaSO"_4#, and #"BaSO"_4# are all insoluble.

As the carbonates react with the sulfuric acid, the sulfate precipitates will form a coating on the surface of the carbonate and prevent further access of the acid.

#"MgSO"_4# is soluble, so it will not coat the carbonate.

Hence, #"MgCO"_3# will produce the most carbon dioxide.

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