Question

A student dropped a pea size amount of K2CO3 into a solution of HCl(aq). He observed the formation of gas bubbles and collected the gas into another test tube. The student performed a splint test and observed that the splint was extingished when he placed the splint into the test tube of the gas. What can be said about the results of this students experiment?
a. The student completed the experiment correctly and there were no errors in the experiment.
b. The experiment was performed incorrectly. K2CO3 doesn't react with HCl. Therefore, the student picked up the wrong compound when conducting the experiment.
c. The student performed the splint test incorrectly. He should of observed the splint flare up when the splint was placed in the test tube.
d. The student performed the splint test incorrectly. He should of observed a popping sound when the splint was placed in the test tube.

Answer 1

Answer:

The student completed the experiment correctly and there were no errors in the experiment.

Explanation:

When a pea size amount of K2CO3 is dropped into a solution of HCl, the following reaction occurs;

K2CO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) ----> 2KCl(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

The gas CO2 does not support burning hence, when the student performed a splint test and observed that the splint was extinguished when he placed the splint into the test tube of the gas.

Hence, the experiment was properly conducted and the student completed the experiment correctly and there were no errors in the experiment.