Investigating the decomposition of Group 2 carbonates

Outline the experiment

• Group 2 carbonates become more thermally stable down the group - harder to break down as you go down the group

Explain the procedure

• Add Ca(OH)2 (limewater) into test tube - fill with distilled water and stir

• filter the Ca(OH)2 and pour solution into conical flask

• Add magnesium carbonate to a second test tube

• clamp stand - place test tube vertically and tighter

• add delivery bung through lime water and attach to magnesium carbonate

• heat the magnesium carbonate using Bunsen burner

• time how long it takes for lime water to go cloudy

Set Up

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