What are the products of a reaction between an acid and a metal carbonate?

When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate, the key products formed are salt, carbon dioxide, and water. The reaction proceeds as follows: the acid donates hydrogen ions (H⁺) which react with the carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) from the metal carbonate. This results in the formation of salt, as the metal ions from the carbonate combine with the anions from the acid. Simultaneously, the carbonate decomposes to release carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

The liberation of carbon dioxide is a characteristic feature of acid-carbonate reactions, signifying that fizzing or bubbling may be observed during the reaction. Water is produced as a byproduct when the hydrogen ions from the acid react with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) created during the reaction of the carbonate with the acid.

This understanding reinforces why the correct answer highlights salt, carbon dioxide, and water as the products of the reaction.