An analyst has two separate beakers containing dilute sulfuric acid.
They add a spatula measure of magnesium carbonate powder, MgCO3\text{MgCO}_3MgCO3, to the first beaker, and a strip of magnesium ribbon, Mg\text{Mg}Mg, to the second beaker.
Explain what the analyst would observe in each beaker and how they could chemically test the gas produced in each case to confirm its identity.
Your answer must include word equations for both chemical reactions.
276 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Chemistry 4.1 Acids, covering 4.1.1 Acids, alkalis and the pH scale, 4.1.2 Hydrogen ion concentration and pH, 4.1.3 Dilute and concentrated, weak and strong acids, 4.1.4 Bases, alkalis and the reactions of acids, 4.1.5 Chemical tests for hydrogen and carbon dioxide, 4.1.6 Neutralisation as a reaction of acids with bases, 4.1.7 Preparing soluble salts, and 4.1.8 Solubility rules and preparing insoluble salts. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.