When a carbonate reacts with an acid, a chemical reaction occurs that typically produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and a salt. The general equation for this reaction can be represented as:

For example, if we take sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), the reaction would look like this

Key Points:

Carbon Dioxide Production: The formation of CO₂ is often observed as fizzing or bubbling.

Neutralization: This reaction is a type of neutralization where an acid reacts with a base (the carbonate).

Types of Acids: Any acid can react with carbonates, including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and acetic acid.

This reaction is commonly used in laboratories and various applications, such as in antacid tablets, where carbonates neutralize stomach acid.