Question

what is the general equation when bases react with metal carbonates/ bicarbonates?

Answer 1

A general equation for the reaction of metal carbonates and bicarbonates with bases cannot be written as metal carbonates and bicarbonates are themselves basic in nature. However, they do readily react with acids. A general equation for the reaction of carbonates and bicarbonates with acids is written as follows

Metal carbonate / bicarbonate + acid ---------> Salt + CO₂ + H₂O