Question

\(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) is reacted with sodium carbonate. What is the gas liberated? (a) \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{O}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CO}\) (d) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)

Short answer

The gas liberated is \(\mathrm{CO}_2\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Reactants

The reactants given in the problem are silicon dioxide \(\mathrm{SiO}_2\) and sodium carbonate \(\mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3\).

Write the Chemical Equation

When \(\mathrm{SiO}_2\) reacts with \(\mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3\), the following reaction can occur: \[\mathrm{SiO}_2 + \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{Na_2SiO_3} + \mathrm{CO}_2\]This equation shows the conversion of reactants into products.

Balance the Chemical Equation

Ensure both sides of the chemical equation have equal numbers of each type of atom:\[\mathrm{SiO}_2(s) + \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3(s) \rightarrow \mathrm{Na_2SiO_3}(s) + \mathrm{CO}_2(g)\]The equation is balanced as is.

Identify the Gas Liberated

From the balanced chemical equation, \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) is produced as a gas. 'g' in \(\mathrm{CO}_2(g)\) indicates that it's in the gaseous state.

Key concepts

Silicon Dioxide Reactivity

Silicon dioxide, commonly known as silica, is a chemical compound found in sand and quartz. Despite its abundance, it is generally unreactive due to its strong Si-O bonds. In standard conditions, silicon dioxide does not easily react but can do so at high temperatures or in combination with specific chemicals.
Understanding the reactivity of silicon dioxide is key in various industrial processes such as glassmaking, where it interacts with other compounds to form silicates. Here, in our specific chemical reaction, silicon dioxide reacts with sodium carbonate, which is a base, under high temperature to form sodium silicate and carbon dioxide as one of the byproducts.
This particular reaction is essential because it alters physical and chemical properties, turning the starting materials into more usable forms like sodium silicate, which is useful in textiles and sealants.
The transformation of silicon dioxide through reaction showcases the fascinating potential of chemical interactions, as strong bonds are overcome to create new and valuable materials.

Sodium Carbonate Reaction

Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash, is a sodium salt of carbonic acid. It's a white, water-soluble solid, frequently used in cleaning products and the manufacturing of glass.
In a chemical reaction with silicon dioxide, sodium carbonate acts as a flux. This means it helps substances melt more easily, which is crucial in glassmaking and ceramics. By lowering the melting point of the mixture, sodium carbonate allows silicon dioxide to react when otherwise it would not melt or react at standard conditions.
In our chemical equation \[ \mathrm{SiO}_2 + \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{Na_2SiO_3} + \mathrm{CO}_2 \] sodium carbonate facilitates the reaction, producing carbon dioxide gas and sodium silicate. This reaction not only promotes gas liberation but also results in new compounds that are vital in various industrial applications. By learning how sodium carbonate reacts, students gain deeper insights into how basic chemical principles are used to solve complex commercial challenges.

Gas Liberation in Reactions

Gas liberation is a phenomenon where a gaseous product is formed as a result of a chemical reaction. In our example, the liberation of carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_2\)) gas is clear and is an outcome of the reaction between silicon dioxide and sodium carbonate.
When we look at chemical reactions, identifying the gaseous products is crucial for understanding reaction progress, safety, and practical application. Here \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) is liberated, showing us that a conversion from solid reactants to both solid and gaseous products took place, which also indicates that the reaction proceeded as expected.

• Importance: Gas liberation often signals an energetic transformation and is a visual cue of reaction completion.
• Identification: The notation \(\mathrm{CO}_2(g)\) indicates the gaseous state of carbon dioxide, which separated itself from solid sodium silicate.

Gas liberation, especially of \(\mathrm{CO}_2\), is commonly observed in various chemical reactions and helps students to understand the concept of chemical changes practically. It plays a significant role in industrial applications, from synthesizing materials to regulating processes like fermentation and combustion.