Action of heat on transition metal carbonates
In this reaction we look at the action of heat on
 green copper carbonate
 white zinc carbonate.

The carbonates are initially weighed and then heated on tin lids for 10-15 minutes.
The tin lid and contents are then reweighed and any change in mass is recorded.
RESULTS
Mass of tin lid + copper carbonate before heating
= ...............................g
Mass of tin lid + changed copper carbonate after heating
= ...............................g
Change in mass
=................................g
Mass of tin lid + lead carbonate before heating
= ...............................g
Mass of tin lid + changed lead carbonate after heating
= ...............................g
Change in mass
=................................g
WHAT HAPPENS
When green copper carbonate is heated carbon dioxide gas and black copper oxide are produced.
When white lead carbonate is heated carbon dioxide and white lead oxide (yellow when hot) are
produced.
These carbonates have split up into simpler substances.
They have DECOMPOSED.
The equation for these reactions can be written simply as:
Action of heat on copper carbonate
Copper carbonate
Copper oxide
green
black
CuCO3
CuO
+
CO2
Lead oxide
+
carbon
Action of heat on lead carbonate
Lead carbonate
white
white
PbCO3
PbO
DANGERS
LEAD CARBONATE
TOXIC (POISONOUS) – Any material swallowed
may cause severe injury. Seek medical attention
COPPER CARBONATE
IRRITANT – Dust may irritate the lungs and eyes.
+
carbon
dioxide gas
dioxide gas
+
CO2