What happens when quicklime is added to water

Here you will explore the chemical reaction that occurs when quicklime is added to water. After reading this topic you will understand the complete process of reaction when quicklime is added to water.

When a small amount of quicklime is added to water in a beaker, a highly exothermic reaction takes place.

 

The balanced chemical equation for  quicklime and water reaction

 

`CaO + H_2O → Ca(OH)_2` + Heat

 

The reaction produces slaked lime (Calcium hydroxide) which is a white, powdery substance that is slightly soluble in water.The common name of the reaction is slaking.

 

In this reaction, a huge amount of heat is produced which is intense enough to cause boiling of splashing water.

 

The mechanism of the reaction between calcium oxide and water involves the hydration of calcium oxide to produce calcium hydroxide and a huge amount of heat.

We can find to observe the reaction of water on quick lime that the reaction involves the formation of strong chemical bonds between Ca²⁺ and OH^- ions.

 

Uses of slaked lime: - It is used in wastewater treatment, whitewashing, construction, and agriculture.

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FAQs

1. What happens when quicklime is added to water?

Ans.- when quicklime is added to water, it undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction.

2. What is the quicklime formula?

Ans- CaO

3. What is the slaked lime formula?

Ans.- `Ca(OH)_2`

4. What is quicklime, and how is it produced?

Ans.- Quicklime is known as calcium oxide (CaO), which is a white, crystalline compound that is highly alkaline and reactive. It is produced by heating limestone (calcium carbonate)

5. What is the chemical reaction that occurs between quicklime and water?

Ans. – Exothermic reaction

6. How does the addition of quicklime to water affect the pH level?

Ans.- Water becomes alkaline because the addition of quicklime produces slaked lime that has OH^- ions.