Multiple Choice Question

Question

A student observes that when a solution of nitric acid is mixed with a solution of sodium carbonate in a beaker, bubbles form and the beaker feels warm. Which of the following statements best describes this reaction?

A.
The reaction between an acid and a base forms a precipitate.
B.
Gas formation is evidence of a chemical reaction.
C.
The molecular arrangement of the reactants does not change after the reaction.
D.
The reaction between nitric acid and sodium carbonate is endothermic by nature.

Answer 1

The best statement that describes the reaction between nitric acid and sodium carbonate is:

B. Gas formation is evidence of a chemical reaction.

When nitric acid (an acid) reacts with sodium carbonate (a base), they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium nitrate. The formation of bubbles (gas) indicates that a chemical change is occurring. Additionally, the warmth felt in the beaker suggests that the reaction is exothermic (not endothermic as stated in option D). Therefore, option B is the most accurate choice in this context.