Calcium oxide (CaO) reacts vigorously with water (H₂O) in an exothermic reaction, producing calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), also known as slaked lime, and releasing heat.
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
The Reaction Explained
- Reactants: Calcium oxide (CaO), a solid, also known as quicklime, and water (H₂O), a liquid.
- Product: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), a solid, also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime. When calcium hydroxide is dissolved in water, it forms limewater, a basic solution.
- Type of Reaction: This is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat into the surroundings. It is also a hydration reaction, where water is added to a substance.
Chemical Equation
The chemical equation representing this reaction is:
CaO(s) + H₂O(l) → Ca(OH)₂(s) + Heat
Where:
- (s) indicates solid state
- (l) indicates liquid state
Slaking of Lime
The process of calcium oxide reacting with water to form calcium hydroxide is called "slaking of lime." The reaction is vigorous and can generate significant heat, sometimes enough to boil the water.
Applications
- Construction: Calcium hydroxide is a key component of mortar and plaster, used in the construction industry.
- Agriculture: Lime water (a solution of calcium hydroxide in water) is used to neutralize acidic soils.
- Industrial Processes: Calcium hydroxide is used in various industrial processes, including water treatment and the production of paper.
Summary
In summary, the reaction between calcium oxide and water is an exothermic reaction that produces calcium hydroxide and heat. This process, known as slaking of lime, has several important applications in various industries.
