Limestone Flashcards
How do we get limestone?
It is quarried from the ground.
What is the chemical symbol for limestone?
CaCO
3
What is thermal decomposition?
When one substance changes into at least two new substances when heated.
What are the products of the thermal decomposition of limestone?
Calcium Oxide and Carbon Dioxide
What are the products of reacting calcium carbonate with an acid?
Calcium salt, carbon dioxide and water.
How do you know which calcium salt is produced when reacting calcium carbonate with an acid?
The name of the acid. You take the first part and put it on the end of the salt. For example, Sulphuric Acid reacts to give Calcium Sulphate.
What is formed when water is added to Calcium Oxide?
It becomes Calcium Hydroxide.
What happens to Calcium Hydroxide when an excess of water is added?
It dissolves.
Is Calcium Hydroxide an acid or an alkali?
Alkali
What is Calcium Hydroxide commonly used for?
Neutralisation of ground and water
What happens when Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide react?
Limestone and water are produced.
How can we use Calcium Hydroxide solution to test for Carbon Dioxide?
You bubble a gas through the solution. If it turns cloudy, Carbon Dioxide is present.
How is cement made?
Powdered limestone is heated in a kiln with powdered clay.
How is mortar made?
Cement is mixed with water and sand.
How is concrete made?
Cement is mixed with sand, gravel and water.
Why is limestone a good building material?
Because it is easy to shape and hard-wearing.
Why are cement, mortar and concrete good building materials?
They don’t rot, burn or get gnarled by insects and rodents.
What are uses of limestone apart from making building materials?
- Used in dyes, paints and medicines
- Neutralising acidic soil and water
- Used in power station chimneys to neutralise Sulphur Dioxide
What problems are associated with quarrying limestone?
- Huge holes made in landscape
- Destroys habitats
- Transporting limestone pollutes environment
- Waste materials go to landfill
What problems are associated with limestone products?
- Cement factories produce dust
- Energy is required to produce cement
- Concrete is ugly
