To determine which substance is not formed when a metal carbonate reacts with dilute acid, we need to analyze the chemical reaction involved.
1. Understanding the Reaction:
When a metal carbonate ($\text{MCO}_3$, where $\text{M}$ is a metal) reacts with a dilute acid (such as hydrochloric acid, $\text{HCl}$), the general reaction can be represented as:
This reaction produces three main products:
2. Identifying the Missing Product:
From the reaction, it is clear that hydrogen gas ($\text{H}_2$) is not produced. The hydrogen ions from the acid combine with the carbonate ion to form water and carbon dioxide, but no hydrogen gas is liberated.
3. Conclusion:
The substance that is not formed when a metal carbonate reacts with dilute acid is hydrogen gas.
Final Answer:
$
{\text{Hydrogen}}
$