Question

What are the products formed when an aqueous solution of magnesium bicarbonate is boiled? (a) \(\mathrm{Mg}, \mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (c) \(\mathrm{MgCO}_{3}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{HCO}_{3}\right)_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Short answer

Option (c) \( \mathrm{MgCO}_{3}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Compound

Magnesium bicarbonate, denoted as \( \mathrm{Mg} \left( \mathrm{HCO}_{3} \right)_{2} \), is a compound that can decompose upon heating. When boiled, magnesium bicarbonate will undergo a chemical reaction that will result in different products.

Chemical Reaction Process

When heating \( \mathrm{Mg} \left( \mathrm{HCO}_{3} \right)_{2} \), it decomposes to form magnesium carbonate \( \mathrm{MgCO}_{3} \), carbon dioxide \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \), and water \( \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \). The reaction can be represented as:\[\mathrm{Mg} \left( \mathrm{HCO}_{3} \right)_{2} \rightarrow \mathrm{MgCO}_{3} + \mathrm{CO}_{2} + \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\]

Identify the Products

From the reaction equation, the products formed when magnesium bicarbonate is boiled are magnesium carbonate \( \mathrm{MgCO}_{3} \), carbon dioxide \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \), and water \( \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \).

Match with Given Options

From the options provided:- (c) \( \mathrm{MgCO}_{3}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) matches the products of the decomposition reaction we derived.Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Chemical Reaction

The process of a chemical reaction involves the transformation of one or more substances into different substances. In the case of magnesium bicarbonate, a chemical reaction takes place when its molecules are heated. During this reaction, the original molecules are rearranged, leading to the formation of new products. This transition is a fundamental aspect of chemistry, illustrating how matter can change its form without altering its intrinsic properties.

Important things to know about chemical reactions are:

• They involve breaking and forming of chemical bonds.
• Energy changes often accompany these reactions, either being absorbed or released.
• They are represented by balanced chemical equations showing reactants and products.

In our specific scenario, the chemical reaction is a thermal decomposition of magnesium bicarbonate.

Thermal Decomposition

Thermal decomposition is a type of chemical reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances upon heating. This is what happens to magnesium bicarbonate when it is boiled. The heat provides energy to overcome the bonds holding the compound together, causing it to decompose into magnesium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water.

Understanding thermal decomposition can help you appreciate:

• How heat energy can facilitate reactions.
• The formation of multiple products from a single reactant.
• The role of temperature in chemical changes.

This type of decomposition is common in various chemical processes, where heat acts as a catalyst for breaking down compounds into elemental forms.

Product Formation

Product formation refers to the new substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction. In our decomposition reaction, magnesium bicarbonate creates three distinct products after boiling; these are magnesium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water. The specific products formed depend on the reactants and the conditions of the reaction, such as temperature and pressure.

Key points about product formation include:

• Products result from the rearrangement of atoms during the reaction.
• In the reaction of magnesium bicarbonate, products are solid magnesium carbonate, gas carbon dioxide, and liquid water.
• Each product has unique physical and chemical properties.

Understanding product formation helps to predict the outcome of chemical reactions and the nature of substances we obtain after reactions are complete.

Magnesium Carbonate

Magnesium carbonate (\(\mathrm{MgCO}_{3}\)) is one of the products of the decomposition of magnesium bicarbonate. It appears as a white solid and is sparingly soluble in water. In nature, it occurs as a mineral form known as magnesite. It is commonly used in products like antacids and as a drying agent in various industrial processes.

Some important properties of magnesium carbonate include:

• It is stable under normal conditions but can decompose at high temperatures.
• It is used for medicinal purposes due to its antacid properties.
• It can react with acids to produce carbon dioxide.

Understanding magnesium carbonate’s role in reactions helps you see how substances transform and interact with their environment.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)) is a gas released during the decomposition of magnesium bicarbonate. It plays a crucial role in Earth's atmospheric balance and is a natural byproduct of cellular respiration and the combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is colorless, odorless, and slightly acidic in nature.

Notable aspects of carbon dioxide include:

• It is a greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change.
• It is used in the carbonation of beverages like soft drinks.
• It is essential for photosynthesis in plants.

Recognizing the significance of carbon dioxide in a chemical reaction underscores the impact of chemical processes on the environment and daily life.