Limestone Flashcards
Limestone is a hard rock that is used as a building material. Limestone was used by the Egyptians to make plaster. Use the reaction of the lime cycle to explain how the plaster became even harder with age
Because carbon dioxide reacts with calcium hydroxide which form calcium carbonate. Then water is lost making the plaster became harder.
About 60 million years ago a large meteorite hit the earth. This meteorite heated limestone in the earths crust causing the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide. Explain how carbon dioxide is released from limestone.
CaCO3 = CaO + CO2
How does the limestone used in a power station release carbon dioxide?
Thermal decomposition
How does the limestone used in a power station remove sulfur dioxide?
It reacts with sulfur dioxide
The use of limestone in a power station releases ‘locked up carbon dioxide’ into the atmosphere. Explain the meaning of ‘locked up carbon dioxide’.
The CO2 was taken in million of years ago and was used to form the skeletons of marine organisms
Describe the social, economic and environmental impacts of quarrying limestone. Explain which impacts are benefits and which are problems.
Environmental problems - takes up land space making land unavailable for other uses such as farming and recreation.
Economic benefit - exporting limestone brings in money for the company and so contributes to the nation’s economy.
Economic problem - tourism may decline as a result of quarrying so reducing the income of local amenities.
Social problem - noise and increased traffic in the area around the quarry.
Social benefit - the quarry many create new jobs for local people.
Describe the appearance of cement.
Cement is a grey power.
List the raw materials used for making mortar and cement.
Mortar - cement, sand and water
Concrete - cement, sand, aggregate (small stones) and water.
What happens inside mortar and concrete to make them harden?
Mortar and concrete set when substances in the mixture react with each other.
Describe the pattern shown by the thermal decomposition reactions of metal carbonates.
The compounds at the top decompose less easily. The decomposition becomes easier as you go down the reactivity series towards the least reactive metals at the bottom.
What is an alloy?
A mixture of two or more metals, or a mixture of one metal and a non-metal.
What is a decompose?
Breaking down
What is a mineral?
Naturally occurring chemical elements and compounds found in rocks.
What is an ore?
A naturally occurring mineral, from which it is economically viable to extract a metal.
What is a reduction?
A reaction involving the loss of oxygen, the gain of hydrogen, or the gain of electrons.
