Asked by 01236
Calcite (the main mineral in limestone) is made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Dolomite, a related mineral, is made of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). What happens if a geologist drips a small amount of vinegar (acetic acid) onto a sample of dolomite?
There is no way to predict what will happen.
Fizzing will occur because carbon dioxide is produced.
No reaction will occur because dolomite contains no calcium.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Fizzing will occur because acid reacts with carbonate to produce carbon dioxide.
Net reaction (using acetic acid and dolomite CaMg(CO3)2):
CaMg(CO3)2 + 4 CH3COOH → Ca(CH3COO)2 + Mg(CH3COO)2 + 2 H2O + 2 CO2↑
Note: dolomite reacts more slowly than calcite with weak acids like vinegar; the fizz may be faint unless the sample is powdered or a stronger acid (dilute HCl) is used.
Net reaction (using acetic acid and dolomite CaMg(CO3)2):
CaMg(CO3)2 + 4 CH3COOH → Ca(CH3COO)2 + Mg(CH3COO)2 + 2 H2O + 2 CO2↑
Note: dolomite reacts more slowly than calcite with weak acids like vinegar; the fizz may be faint unless the sample is powdered or a stronger acid (dilute HCl) is used.
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