The Limestone Cycle

The equations for the thermal decomposition

calcium carbonateright facing arrow with heatcalcium oxide + carbon dioxide CaCO3right facing arrow with heatCaO + CO2

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Thermal decomposition can be used for materials less reactive than...in the reactivity series.

Carbon

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How is Calcium hydroxide made?

When limestone is heated strongly, the calcium carbonate it contains decomposes to form calcium oxide. This reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide, which is an alkali. Calcium hydroxide is used to neutralise excess acidity, for example, in lakes

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How are Cement, mortar and concrete made?

Cement is made by heating powdered limestone with clay. Cement is an ingredient in mortar and concrete: mortar, used to join bricks together, is made by mixing cement with sand and water concrete is made by mixing cement with sand, water and aggregat

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The main advantages of the limestone industry

Limestone is a valuable natural resource, used to make things such as glass and concrete.

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The main disadvantages of the limestone industry

Limestone quarries are visible from long distances and may permanently disfigure the local environment.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Thermal decomposition can be used for materials less reactive than...in the reactivity series.

Back

Carbon

Card 3

Front

How is Calcium hydroxide made?

Back

Card 4

Front

How are Cement, mortar and concrete made?

Back

Card 5

Front

The main advantages of the limestone industry

Back

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The Limestone Cycle