The reaction between nitric acid (HNO₃) and barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is a classic acid-base reaction that produces a salt, carbon dioxide gas, and water. Here's the balanced chemical equation:

2 HNO₃ (aq) + BaCO₃ (s) → Ba(NO₃)₂ (aq) + CO₂ (g) + H₂O (l)

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

* Reactants:

* Nitric acid (HNO₃): A strong acid.

* Barium carbonate (BaCO₃): A white solid.

* Products:

* Barium nitrate (Ba(NO₃)₂): A soluble salt.

* Carbon dioxide (CO₂): A colorless gas.

* Water (H₂O): A liquid.

Explanation:

The reaction proceeds because nitric acid is a strong acid and readily donates protons (H⁺) to the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) from barium carbonate. This protonation of the carbonate ion results in the formation of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which is unstable and quickly decomposes into carbon dioxide and water.

Observations:

* You would observe effervescence (bubbling) as carbon dioxide gas is released.

* The solution would become clear as the barium carbonate dissolves.

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