# Magnesium sulfate is a salt used in medicine. It can be made by reacting magnesium carbonate with dilute sulfuric acid. Explain why magnesium carbonate is described as a base, and name the type of reaction that occurs when it reacts with dilute sulfuric acid.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — 2.2 Acids, bases and salts · Explain · 4 marks

> Magnesium carbonate is a white powder that reacts with dilute sulfuric acid to produce magnesium sulfate solution, water and carbon dioxide gas.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A base is a substance that neutralises an acid
2. Magnesium carbonate neutralises the sulfuric acid (so it acts as a base)
3. The type of reaction is neutralisation
4. A salt (magnesium sulfate) and water are products of the reaction (alongside carbon dioxide)

## Key terms

- [base](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/base)
- [salt](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/salt)
- [acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/acid)

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- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/magnesium-sulfate-is-a-salt-used-27aaeeac) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.