Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 4 Months ago
Quicklime, also known as calcium oxide (CaO), is a white, caustic, alkaline crystalline solid at room temperature. It is produced by heating limestone (calcium carbonate) to high temperatures, causing it to undergo thermal decomposition. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
CaCO₃ (limestone) → CaO (quicklime) + CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
One common use of quicklime is in the process of making mortar. Mortar is a mixture of quicklime, sand, and water that is used to bind bricks or stones together in construction. When quicklime is mixed with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction to produce calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), releasing a significant amount of heat in the process. This exothermic reaction is known as slaking, and it converts quicklime into a fine, dry powder. The resulting calcium hydroxide is then mixed with sand to create mortar, which hardens as it dries, providing a strong and durable bond between building materials.