Another of Student X question to sean@simplechemconcepts.com to be shared with the world!
Question:
A certain solid has the following properties.
? It is insoluble in water.
? It gives off a gas when heated.
? It gives off a gas when added to dilute sulphuric acid.Which of the following is the solid?
A. Sodium carbonate
B. Copper(II) carbonate
C. Iron (II) oxide
D. Zinc hydroxideStudent X’s suggested answer:
“What I think: Sodium carbonate is soluble in water. The two oxides, Iron (II) oxide and Zinc hydroxide reacts with dilute sulfuric acid to give only salt and water. Thus, my answer is B Copper(II) carbonate.”
DETERMINATION:
“Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way”
– Abraham Lincoln
PS: Check out “Comments” below for suggested answer.

I agree with the approach by this student as well as the final answers.
Through elimination, starting with the most obvious properties of each compound,
we can steadily derive the final answer to be B which is Copper(II) Carbonate.
1) CuCO3 –> Insoluble in Water
2) CuCO3 upon heating –> CuO + CO2
3) CuCO3 + Acid –> Salt + H2O + CO2
Hope this helps.
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Sean
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