# Propanoic acid is a member of the carboxylic acids homologous series. A student adds a small piece of calcium carbonate to a sample of propanoic acid. Describe what the student would observe, name the type of reaction taking place, and give the names of the three products formed.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.6 Carboxylic acids · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Effervescence / bubbles / fizzing observed (accept: gas is produced)
2. The solid (calcium carbonate) dissolves / disappears
3. Neutralisation / acid–base reaction (accept: salt formation)
4. Names all three products correctly: calcium propanoate AND water AND carbon dioxide

## Key terms

- [carboxylic acids](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carboxylic-acids)
- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/propanoic-acid-is-a-member-of-8dcffeea) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.