Calcium oxide (CaO), also known as quicklime or burnt lime, is primarily produced by heating calcium carbonate, such as limestone, to high temperatures in a process called calcination.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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The Raw Material: The process typically starts with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which is abundant in limestone, chalk, and marble.
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Calcination: The calcium carbonate is heated in a lime kiln to temperatures ranging from approximately 500°C to 600°C (though industrial processes often use higher temperatures, around 900°C or more to increase the reaction rate).
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Decomposition: At these temperatures, the calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The chemical reaction is:
CaCO₃ (s) → CaO (s) + CO₂ (g)
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The Result: The resulting solid is calcium oxide (quicklime), and the carbon dioxide is released as a gas.
In summary, calcium oxide is produced by heating calcium carbonate (like limestone) to a high temperature, causing it to decompose into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
