Based on the provided reference, the short answer is that calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is insoluble in water.
Calcium carbonate, commonly known for its presence in rocks like limestone, marble, and chalk, behaves as an insoluble compound when mixed with water. This means it does not readily dissolve or dissociate into its constituent ions (calcium ions Ca²⁺ and carbonate ions CO₃²⁻) to a significant extent in pure water.
Understanding Insolubility
When a substance is described as insoluble, it means that only a very small amount of it can dissolve in a given amount of solvent, like water, at a specific temperature. For practical purposes, this small amount is often considered negligible.
According to the information provided from the YouTube video reference, "So the question is whether caco3 that's calcium carbonate is soluble or insoluble in water the short answer is that it's insoluble. It won't dissolve or dissociate."
Solubility Status of CaCO₃
| Substance | Chemical Formula | Solubility in Water |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate | CaCO₃ | Insoluble |
Practical Implications
The insolubility of calcium carbonate has many practical implications:
- Natural Formations: The vast deposits of limestone and marble are possible because calcium carbonate doesn't dissolve away easily in rainwater (though acidic rain can cause slow erosion).
- Shells and Skeletons: Many marine organisms build their shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate due to its stability and insolubility in seawater.
- Building Material: It is a key component in cement and concrete because it provides structural integrity without dissolving.
- Antacids: While used in some antacids, it works by reacting with stomach acid, not by dissolving in water.
In summary, while a minuscule amount might technically dissolve (leading to a very low solubility product), for all intents and purposes and as stated in the reference, calcium carbonate is considered insoluble in water.
