What type of reaction occurs between an acid and a metal carbonate?

The reaction that occurs between an acid and a metal carbonate is classified as a neutralization reaction. In this type of reaction, the acid reacts with the metal carbonate to produce a salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas.

The process can be represented by the general equation:

[ \text{Acid} + \text{Metal Carbonate} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water} + \text{Carbon Dioxide} ]

For example, when hydrochloric acid reacts with calcium carbonate, the products formed are calcium chloride (a salt), water, and carbon dioxide. This is characteristic of neutralization because acids typically release hydrogen ions (H⁺), which combine with the carbonate (CO₃²⁻) anions to form water and carbon dioxide, balancing out the acidic and basic properties.

Other types of reactions mentioned, such as precipitation, combustion, and reduction, do not accurately describe the interaction between an acid and a metal carbonate. Precipitation involves the formation of an insoluble salt, combustion is a reaction involving a fuel and an oxidant to produce heat and light, and reduction refers specifically to the gain of electrons by a substance. In contrast, the acid-carbonate reaction is fundamentally