Using Limestone Flashcards
What is limestone mainly made from?
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
What happens when limestone is heated?
It thermally decomposes to make calcium oxide (quicklime) and carbon dioxide
What happens when calcium carbonate reads with acid?
It produces a calcium salt , carbon Dioxide and water
What does calcium oxide react with water to produce?
Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime)
What is calcium hydroxide?
An alkali which can be used to neutralise acidic soil in fields
What’s the advantage of calcium hydroxide over powdered limestone?
It works much faster
How can calcium hydroxide be used as a test for carbon dioxide?
If you get a solution of calcium hydroxide + water and bubble gas through it then the solution will turn cloudy if carbon dioxide is present
What is calcium hydroxide and water also known as
Limewater
How is powdered limestone used to make cement?
Heat powdered limestone on a kiln with powdered clay and you get cement
What can cement be mixed with to make mortar?
Sand and water
How do you make concrete?
Mix cement, sand water and aggregate
What environmental problems can quarrying limestone cause?
Large ugly holes permanently damage landscape
Quarrying generates large amounts of noise and dust in scenic areas
Destroys habitats of animals and birds
Limestone being transported by lorries causes noise and air pollution
Waste materials produce unsightly tips
What is the problem with cement factories?
They make a lot of dust which dan cause breathing problems for some people
What is needed to produce cement and quicklime and why is it a problem?
Energy and the energy is likely to come from burning fossil fuels which causes air pollution
What are some advantages of limestone?
It provides houses, roads, and is used in paints and medicine
Used to neutralise acidic soils and lakes (caused by acid rain)
Quarrying provides jobs and boosts local economy (make local improvements)
Landscape usually restored
Used in power station chimneys to neutralise Sulfur dioxide (cause of acid rain)
