Calcium Hydroxide

Definition

Calcium hydroxide, often represented as Ca(OH)₂, is a strong inorganic base formed from the reaction of calcium oxide with water. This compound is significant in various applications, including construction, agriculture, and water treatment, linking it closely to the behavior and reactions of alkaline earth metals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Calcium hydroxide is also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime and appears as a white powder or colorless crystal.
2. It is sparingly soluble in water, producing a solution known as limewater that has a pH of around 12.4.
3. In construction, calcium hydroxide is used in mortars and plasters due to its ability to react with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate over time.
4. In agriculture, it is utilized to adjust soil pH levels and improve soil quality for better crop yield.
5. Calcium hydroxide can also be used in water treatment processes to remove impurities and neutralize acidic water.

Review Questions

• How does calcium hydroxide demonstrate the typical properties of alkaline earth metals when it reacts with water?
  • Calcium hydroxide exhibits the typical properties of alkaline earth metals through its formation from calcium oxide reacting with water. When calcium oxide is mixed with water, it creates calcium hydroxide, a strong base that increases the pH level of the solution. This reaction illustrates how alkaline earth metals readily form basic hydroxides when reacting with water, showcasing their chemical behavior.
• Discuss the role of calcium hydroxide in construction and how it interacts with carbon dioxide over time.
  • In construction, calcium hydroxide serves a critical role in making mortars and plasters due to its binding properties. Over time, when exposed to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, calcium hydroxide reacts to form calcium carbonate through a process known as carbonation. This transformation not only enhances the durability of construction materials but also helps to sequester carbon dioxide, contributing to environmentally friendly building practices.
• Evaluate the significance of calcium hydroxide in agricultural practices and its impact on soil health.
  • Calcium hydroxide plays a vital role in agricultural practices by being used to adjust soil pH levels. By neutralizing acidic soils, it enhances nutrient availability for crops and improves overall soil health. This adjustment leads to better crop yields and sustainable farming methods. Moreover, maintaining optimal pH levels is crucial for microbial activity in the soil, which further promotes plant growth and soil fertility.

Related terms

Calcium Oxide: A white solid produced from the thermal decomposition of limestone, commonly known as quicklime, which reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide.

Alkaline Earth Metals:

The group of elements in Group 2 of the periodic table, including calcium, which are characterized by their reactivity and formation of basic hydroxides.

pH: A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution, where calcium hydroxide acts as a strong base and increases the pH of the solution.