To determine which solution reacts with crushed egg-shells to produce a gas that turns lime-water milky, we need to consider the chemical properties of the options provided. The key here is understanding the reaction that occurs when an acid interacts with calcium carbonate, which is a major component of egg-shells.
Identifying the Reaction
Crushed egg-shells primarily consist of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When an acid reacts with calcium carbonate, it produces carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, water, and a salt. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2↑
The carbon dioxide gas produced in this reaction is what turns lime-water (a solution of calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2) milky. This happens because the CO2 reacts with the calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonate, which is insoluble in water and appears as a white precipitate.
Analyzing the Options
Now, let’s evaluate the options given:
- A. NaCl - Sodium chloride is a neutral salt and does not produce any gas when reacting with calcium carbonate.
- B. HCl - Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that will react with calcium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide, making this option a likely candidate.
- C. LiCl - Lithium chloride is also a salt and does not react with calcium carbonate to produce gas.
- D. KCl - Potassium chloride is another neutral salt that does not react with calcium carbonate.
Conclusion on the Correct Answer
Given this analysis, the only solution that will react with crushed egg-shells to produce carbon dioxide gas, which in turn makes lime-water milky, is B. HCl (hydrochloric acid). This reaction is a classic demonstration of acid-base chemistry and illustrates how acids can react with carbonates to release gases.
Real-World Application
This type of reaction is not just limited to laboratory settings; it can also be observed in nature. For example, when acid rain (which contains dissolved carbon dioxide and other acids) falls on limestone (which is primarily calcium carbonate), it can lead to the formation of caves and other geological features over time.