Question

Question #be1e2

Answer 1

Magnesium carbonate will release the greatest volume of carbon dioxide.

Explanation:

The carbonates are all 1:1 salts with the general formula `"MCO"_3`.

They react with sulfuric acid per the equation

`"MCO"_3 + "H"_2"SO"_4 → "MSO"_4 + "H"_2"O" + "CO"_2`

Thus, 1 mol of each carbonate produces 1 mol of carbon dioxide.

However, `"PbSO"_4, "CaSO"_4`, and `"BaSO"_4` are all insoluble.

As the carbonates react with the sulfuric acid, the sulfate precipitates will form a coating on the surface of the carbonate and prevent further access of the acid.

`"MgSO"_4` is soluble, so it will not coat the carbonate.

Hence, `"MgCO"_3` will produce the most carbon dioxide.