Limestone Flashcards
how is limestone sourced?
Limestone is quarried out of the ground in areas where there are lots of limestone available
what is limestone mainly made out of and what is its chemical formula?
Calcium Carbonate = CaCO3
what does thermal decomposition mean?
Thermal decomposition is when one substance chemically changes into at least two new substances when it’s heated
what does calcium carbonate form when thermally decomposed?
Calcium Oxide (CaO) + Carbon Dioxide (Co2)
what happens to calcium carbonate when added to acid?
It produces calcium salt, carbon dioxide and water
what are the stages of the carbon cycle?
1. Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
heat
2. Calcium Oxide (CaO)
water
3. Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
water
4. Calcium Hydroxide Solution (Ca(OH)2)
Carbon dioxide
5. Calcium Carbonatewhat can limestone be used for?
- It can be heated with clay to make cement
- It can be mixed with sand and water to make mortar
- It can be mixed with sand and aggregate to make cement
what are advantages of quarrying limestone?
- Provides roads and houses
- Limestone can neutralise acidic soil
- Helps with local economy
- Improves transportation
- Habitats and land restored after
what are the disadvantages of quarrying limestone?
- Destruction of habitats and land
- Lots of noise and dust
- Noise and pollution from lorries
- Waste materials produce unsightly tips
what are advantages of limestone as a building material?
- It is cheaper than marble and granite
- It is quite easy to cut
- Hardwearing but still looks good
- Very quick and cheap
- Fire proof, insect proof and rot and corrode proof
what are the disadvantages of limestone as a building material?
- Concrete is very ugly
2. Concrete has a low tensile strength
