Can we use mix of nitrate acid and sodium carbonate solid to identify carbon dioxide gas?

Question

Can we use mix of nitrate acid and sodium carbonate solid to identify carbon dioxide gas?

Answer 1

Oh course.  Carbonate compounds react with any acid to liberate CO2 gas.  The CO2 can be tested by bubbling it into limewater and detecting the formation of a precipitate which will turn the solution cloudy.

Limewater is saturated calcium hydroxide, and it combines with CO2 to make insoluble calcium carbonate.  CO2 is liberated from the reaction of a carbonate compound and any acid after the reacting solution has become saturated in dissolved CO2.

Na2CO3(s) + 2HNO3(aq) --> 2NaNO3(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

CO2(g) + Ca(OH)2(aq) --> CaCO3(s) + H2O(l)

Answer 2

2HNO3 (NITRIC acid) + Na2CO3 => 2NaNO3 + H2O + CO2

This reaction produces CO2. It does not identify it.