Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is strongly heated until it undergoes thermal decomposition to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The calcium oxide (unslaked lime) is dissolved in water to form calcium hydroxide (limewater). Bubbling carbon dioxide through this forms a milky suspension of calcium carbonate. Students are also asked to research the large-scale applications of these processes.

Lesson organisation

This experiment can be carried out conveniently in groups of two or three 


and takes about 40 - 45 minutes

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Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate - s–block elements and compounds - Advanced - Experiments - Practical Chemistry: "Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate





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