Give two simple tests you would use to distinguish between sodium carbonate and zinc carbonate solids

Add NaOH dropwise until a ppt forms (with Zn), then add an excess for it to dissolve. (Two tests total). I will leave the equations to you.

To distinguish between sodium carbonate and zinc carbonate solids, you can perform the following two simple tests:

1. Solubility Test:
Fill two separate test tubes or small beakers with water. Add a small amount of each solid (sodium carbonate and zinc carbonate) to the respective test tubes. Stir the contents of both tubes and observe the result.

- Sodium Carbonate: Sodium carbonate is highly soluble in water. When sodium carbonate is added to water, it will readily dissolve, forming a clear solution.
- Zinc Carbonate: Zinc carbonate is slightly soluble in water. When zinc carbonate is added to water, it may not dissolve completely and you may observe some undissolved particles or a slight cloudiness in the water.

2. Acid Reaction Test:
Take two separate small test tubes or well plates. Add a small amount of each solid (sodium carbonate and zinc carbonate) onto the respective plates. Then, carefully add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) onto both substances.

- Sodium Carbonate: Sodium carbonate reacts vigorously with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2), water (H2O), and a salt. When hydrochloric acid is added to sodium carbonate, you will see immediate effervescence (bubbling) of carbon dioxide gas.
Na2CO3 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O

- Zinc Carbonate: Zinc carbonate does not react significantly with dilute hydrochloric acid. A lack of effervescence or bubbling indicates that it is not sodium carbonate.

By conducting these two tests, you can differentiate between sodium carbonate and zinc carbonate solids based on their solubility characteristics in water and their reactivity with acid.