Final Answer:
When calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition, breaking down into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas. The sample of CaCO₃ heated forms: a. Calcium oxide (CaO). So the correct option is a. Calcium oxide (CaO)
Step-by-step explanation:
When calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition, breaking down into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas. This reaction is a fundamental example of a thermal decomposition reaction, wherein heat is applied to a compound, causing it to break down into simpler substances. In this specific case, the decomposition of calcium carbonate results in the production of calcium oxide as the solid residue and carbon dioxide as the gas released into the surroundings.
The chemical equation representing this process is:
CaCO₃ (s) → CaO (s) + CO₂ (g)
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is a white, insoluble solid that naturally occurs in limestone, chalk, and marble. When subjected to sufficient heat (above 825 degrees Celsius), it thermally decomposes, yielding calcium oxide, commonly known as quicklime. Calcium oxide is a white, alkaline, and crystalline solid with multiple industrial applications, including its use in construction, agriculture, and various chemical processes.
The formation of calcium oxide from calcium carbonate through heating is utilized in various industries to obtain quicklime, an essential compound in manufacturing, metallurgy, and environmental applications. The release of carbon dioxide during this process also contributes to its relevance in understanding carbonate-based reactions and their environmental implications, particularly in the context of carbon capture and storage.