When an acid reacts with bicarbonate, carbon dioxide gas is evolved. This reaction is important for various industrial and biological processes. In this answer, we will discuss how carbon dioxide is evolved when an acid reacts with bicarbonate.



The reaction between an acid and bicarbonate can be represented as follows:

H+ + HCO3- → CO2 + H2O

In this reaction, the acid (H+) reacts with bicarbonate (HCO3-) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).



The reaction between an acid and bicarbonate is an example of an acid-base reaction. In this reaction, the acid donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to the bicarbonate, which acts as a base and accepts the hydrogen ion. This results in the formation of carbonic acid (H2CO3), which is unstable and immediately decomposes into carbon dioxide and water.

The evolution of carbon dioxide gas can be observed by performing the reaction in a closed container, such as a test tube or flask. As the reaction proceeds, carbon dioxide gas bubbles will be observed escaping from the solution, indicating the evolution of carbon dioxide.



The reaction between an acid and bicarbonate is used in various industrial and biological processes, such as:

- In the food industry, baking powder is a mixture of bicarbonate and an acid (such as cream of tartar). When baking powder is added to dough, the acid reacts with the bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise.
- In medicine, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is often used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid. When sodium bicarbonate reacts with stomach acid, carbon dioxide gas is produced, which can help relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
- In environmental science, the reaction between carbon dioxide and bicarbonate is important in the buffering of ocean acidification. As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase, more carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, leading to a decrease in pH. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer by accepting excess hydrogen ions produced by the reaction and converting them into carbonic acid, which then decomposes into carbon dioxide and water.



In conclusion, carbon dioxide is evolved when an acid reacts with bicarbonate due to the formation and subsequent decomposition of carbonic acid. This reaction has important applications in various industrial and biological processes, as well as in environmental science.

When we add vinegar and baking powder (a bicarbonate) in a glass jar ,we will see uncle's in the form of brisk effervescence in the jar.this effervescence shows the evolution of carbon dioxide.