Question detail
What happens when carboxylic acids react with carbonates?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only)
Question
- A. They produce hydrogen gas.
- B. They produce carbon dioxide gas.
- C. They produce water.
- D. They produce salts.
Answer
The correct option is They produce carbon dioxide gas..
Explanation
The correct option is They produce carbon dioxide gas.. They produce carbon dioxide gas. is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain why carboxylic acids are weak acids in terms of ionisation and pH. (HT only). This belongs to Carboxylic acids within Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only), so the answer must use the correct organic chemistry context. The other options are incorrect when they confuse the organic family, formula type, reaction condition, product, or property being tested. Keep molecular formula, structural formula, displayed formula, and general formula distinct. Do not confuse alkanes with alkenes, saturated with unsaturated, cracking with combustion, polymers with monomers, or hydrocarbons with oxygen-containing alcohols and carboxylic acids. When formulae are used, preserve the stored notation exactly and explain the GCSE chemistry idea in words rather than using unsupported displayed-formula diagrams.
Common mistake
Weak acid misconception
Students think carboxylic acids are strong acids because they contain an –OH group, just like alcohols.
Explain that the –COOH group can donate a proton, but the resulting –COO⁻ conjugate base is resonance‑stabilised, making the acid weak; contrast with alcohols, which do not ionise appreciably.
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