which statement best describes the equation caco3 2hcl → cacl2 co2 h2o? caco3 is a reactant; it is present before the reaction occurs. cacl2 is a reactant; it is present before the reaction occurs. co2 is a reactant because it is most likely a gas. h2o is a reactant because it is most likely a liquid.

Verified Answer :

The correct answer among the choices given is the first option. The statement that best describes the reaction given is that calcium chloride or CaCO3 is a reactant. Additionally, hydrochloric acid is a reactant while the compounds on the right side of the reaction are the products.

Answer: \(CaCO_3\) is a reactant; it is present before the reaction occurs.

Explanation:

In a chemical reaction the chemical formulas written before the arrow are described as reactants as they react together to form products which are written after the arrow.

\(CaCO_3 + 2HCl \rightarrow CaCl_2 + CO_2 + H_2O\)

Thus \(CaCO_3\) and HCl are reactants here whereas \(CO_2\), \(CaCl_2\) and \(H_2O\) are products.