Two reactants in a flask at room temperature are producing bubbles of

Two reactants in a flask at room temperature are producing bubbles of a gas that turn limewater milky. The reactants could be

[amp_mcq option1=”zinc and hydrochloric acid” option2=”magnesium carbonate and hydrochloric acid” option3=”methane and oxygen” option4=”copper and dilute hydrochloric acid” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
The reaction between magnesium carbonate and hydrochloric acid produces carbon dioxide gas, which turns limewater milky.
Carbonates and bicarbonates react with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO₂), water, and a salt. CO₂ gas, when bubbled through limewater (calcium hydroxide solution), reacts to form insoluble calcium carbonate, which appears as a milky precipitate.
The reaction in option B is: MgCO₃(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g).
Option A produces hydrogen gas (Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂), which does not turn limewater milky.
Option C (methane and oxygen) is combustion, which doesn’t occur simply by mixing at room temperature and requires ignition.
Option D (copper and dilute hydrochloric acid) does not react as copper is less reactive than hydrogen.