C1.2 - Limestone And Building Materials

Question 1

Other than calcium carbonate, which other carbonates decompose to form an oxide and carbon dioxide?

Answer 1

Magnesium, zinc, copper and sodium.

Question 2

Why can’t a Bunsen burner decompose calcium carbonate?

Answer 2

They cannot reach high enough temperatures.

Question 3

What do calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and sodium carbonates make when they react with an acid?

Answer 3

A salt (depending on the acid), carbon dioxide and water.

Question 4

How do you make calcium hydroxide?

Answer 4

Reacting calcium oxide with water.

Question 5

Calcium hydroxide can be used for ___ because it is an ___.

Answer 5

Neutralising acidic soil, alkali.

Question 6

How can you test for carbon dioxide?

Answer 6

You can bubble the gas through calcium hydroxide, and if the gas is carbon dioxide it will turn cloudy because calcium carbonate (and water) is formed.

Question 7

Cement is made by…

Answer 7

Heating powdered limestone in a kiln with powdered clay.

Question 8

Mortar is made by…

Answer 8

Mixing cement, sand and water together.

Question 9

Concrete is made by…

Answer 9

Mixing cement, sand and aggregate (water and gravel) together.

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of quarrying limestone? (5)

Answer 10

1. It permanently damages the landscape.
2. Quarrying creates noise and dust pollution.
3. Destroys animal habitats.
4. Transporting the limestone causes noise and pollution.
5. Waste materials produce ugly tips.

Question 11

What are the advantages of quarrying limestone? (5)

Answer 11

1. Limestone can provide things that people want e.g. houses, roads.
2. It is used to neutralise acidic soil.
3. It is used to neutralise sulphur dioxide in power stations.
4. Quarrying creates jobs and improves the local economy.
5. Landscaping/restoration is normally required with planning permission.

Question 12

How can pollution occur as a result of making stuff from limestone? (2)

Answer 12

1. Cement factories produce dust.

2. Energy is needed to produce cement/quicklime, which comes from burning fossil fuels.

Question 13

What are the advantages of limestone products? (5)

Answer 13

1. Widely-available.
2. Cheap.
3. Concrete can be poured into moulds to make bricks.
4. They don’t rot and don’t get gnawed away by insects or rodents.
5. Concrete doesn’t corrode.

Question 14

What are the disadvantages of limestone products? (2)

Answer 14

1. Unattractive.

2. Low tensile strength.

Question 15

What happens when you heat limestone?

Answer 15

It thermally decomposes to make calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.