Chemical reactions of acids with metals and metal carbonates
I can write balanced equations for acid – metal reactions, as well as acid - metal carbonate reactions, and predict the names and states of products.
Chemical reactions of acids with metals and metal carbonates
I can write balanced equations for acid – metal reactions, as well as acid - metal carbonate reactions, and predict the names and states of products.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- metal + acid ⭢ salt + hydrogen; metal carbonate + acid → salt + water + carbon dioxide
- The test for hydrogen gas is to introduce a lighted splint, which will make a squeaky pop in hydrogen.
- The name of a salt formed is dependent on the acid used.
- (s), (l), (g), (aq) in chemical equations identify the state of substances as solid, liquid, gas or in aqueous solution.
- Carbon dioxide can be bubbled through limewater, which turns cloudy (test for CO₂).
Keywords
Balanced equation - This describes a reaction using a symbol equation with coefficients which ensure there are equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides of the symbol equation.
State symbol - These are used in chemical equations to indicate the physical state of a substance.
Common misconception
Pupils often forget that gases are produced when metals and metal carbonates react with acids.
Emphasise the tests for the gases as a way to remember that they are produced. Writing balanced symbol equations also helps as the pupils can see what elements would be present in the products formed.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Chemical reactions of acids with metals and metal carbonates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Chemical reactions of acids with metals and metal carbonates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Making salts unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
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Supervision
Adult supervision required