Journal Entry 3

What is an oxide, a hydroxide and a carbonate?

a) An oxide is a chemical compound containing at least one oxygen atom as well as at least one other element. Most of the Earth’s crust consists of oxides. Oxides result when elements are oxidized by oxygen in air.

b) Hydroxide is a common name for the diatomic anion OH, which consists of oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

c) Carbonate is salt or ester of carbonic acid. To know of the presence of a carbonate in a salt, the addition of a dilute acid e.g. hydrochloric acid will show  carbon doixide (gas).