Final answer:
Calcium hydroxide, commonly known as slaked lime, is used in various applications from water treatment to food preparation. It should be handled with care to prevent irritation. Its reactions typically involve raising pH levels or producing other chemical compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. It's a colorless crystal or white powder and is used in various applications, one significant use being a flocculant in water and sewage treatment. To use calcium hydroxide properly, it should be handled with care, as it can cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or is inhaled.
The solid form of calcium hydroxide is formed by reacting solid calcium oxide with water. In a typical reaction, calcium hydroxide can be used for raising the pH of water, thus preventing pipe corrosion in acidic water environments. Moreover, its role in the preparation of ammonia gas, by reacting with ammonium chloride to produce ammonia, calcium chloride, and water, demonstrates its importance in the chemical industry.
When using calcium hydroxide for applications like fresh water treatment, careful regulation is necessary as it self-regulates to avoid increasing the pH too much. In the food industry, its low toxicity and mild basic properties make it suitable for various food preparation processes.