Based on the provided reference, when 50 grams (g) of calcium carbonate (CaCO$_3$) is decomposed, it will produce 28 g of calcium oxide (CaO).
Understanding Calcium Oxide Production
Calcium oxide, commonly known as lime or quicklime, is a widely used chemical compound. It is primarily produced through the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, which is found naturally in minerals like limestone, chalk, and marble. This process, often referred to as calcination, involves heating calcium carbonate to high temperatures.
The chemical reaction for this process is:
CaCO$_3$ (s) → CaO (s) + CO$_2$ (g)
This equation shows that solid calcium carbonate decomposes into solid calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas.
The Stoichiometry of CaO Production
The reference clearly states a specific relationship between the mass of calcium carbonate used and the mass of calcium oxide produced:
- 50 g of CaCO$_3$ will produce 28 g of CaO.
This specific yield indicates the efficiency or the expected output from a given amount of reactant under certain conditions.
To illustrate this relationship, consider the following breakdown:
| Reactant / Product | Mass (g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO$_3$) | 50 | The starting material (input) |
| Calcium Oxide (CaO) | 28 | The produced mass (output) |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO$_2$) | 22 | The gaseous byproduct (50g - 28g) |
This demonstrates that for every 50 grams of calcium carbonate processed, you can expect to obtain 28 grams of calcium oxide. The remaining mass (22 g) is released as carbon dioxide gas.
Practical Applications of Calcium Oxide
Calcium oxide is an incredibly versatile compound with numerous industrial and everyday applications. Its production is a fundamental process in many industries.
Some key uses include:
- Construction: As a primary component in the production of cement and mortar.
- Agriculture: Used to neutralize acidic soils, improving crop yields (liming).
- Environmental Treatment: Employed in water and wastewater treatment to adjust pH and remove impurities.
- Steel Manufacturing: Used as a flux in steelmaking to remove impurities from iron ore.
- Chemical Industry: Serves as a raw material for various chemical processes, including the production of calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
Factors Influencing Production Yield
While the reference provides a precise figure, in real-world scenarios, the actual mass of calcium oxide produced can be influenced by several factors:
- Purity of CaCO$_3$: Impurities in the limestone will reduce the yield of pure CaO.
- Temperature and Time: The calcination process requires optimal temperature and sufficient time for complete decomposition.
- Particle Size: Smaller particles of limestone decompose more efficiently.
- Efficiency of the Kiln: The type of kiln used and its operational efficiency play a role in the overall yield.
The 28 g figure from 50 g of CaCO$_3$ represents a standard or expected yield under ideal or controlled conditions.
