MgCO3 + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + CO2 + H2O
In this reaction, magnesium carbonate, a basic salt, reacts with sulfuric acid, a strong acid, to form magnesium sulfate, a neutral salt, along with carbon dioxide gas and water. The reaction involves the exchange of ions, with magnesium (Mg2+) ions from the carbonate compound combining with sulfate (SO42-) ions from the acid to form magnesium sulfate.
The reaction typically occurs when solid magnesium carbonate is added to an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. As the acid comes into contact with the carbonate, it initiates the chemical reaction, causing the formation of bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. The reaction continues until all of the magnesium carbonate has been converted into magnesium sulfate, carbon dioxide, and water.
It's important to note that the concentration of sulfuric acid and the temperature at which the reaction is carried out can influence the rate of the reaction and the products formed.