How would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid?

Explanation

We can distinguish these two compounds by using laboratory reagent `Na_(2)CO_(3)` (solution).
(i) When `Na_(2)CO_(3)` is added to the test tube containing `CH_(3)COOH, CO_(2)` gas is evolved which turn lime water milk.
(ii) When `Na_(2)CO_(3)` is added to the test tube containing `CH_(3)CH_(2)OH` then no gas is evolved.