What happens when carbonate ions react with dilute acid?

When carbonate ions react with dilute acid, carbon dioxide gas is produced as a direct result of the chemical reaction that occurs. This reaction typically involves a carbonate compound, which releases carbon dioxide when it reacts with an acid. For example, if calcium carbonate (found in substances like limestone) is mixed with hydrochloric acid, it produces calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas, which can be observed as effervescence or bubbling.

The formation of carbon dioxide during this reaction is a key identifying characteristic, as the gas can be collected or observed escaping from the solution. The reaction demonstrates the acid's ability to break down the carbonate compound into simpler products, one of which is the gaseous carbon dioxide.

The other options do not describe the primary outcome of this reaction accurately; hence they do not apply. For instance, a blue precipitate is not characteristic of a carbonate and acid reaction, nor does a colorless solution remain, as the reaction specifically results in the release of gas. Additionally, the release of hydrogen gas is not relevant to the reaction involving carbonate ions and dilute acids.