Question

On heating quick lime with coke in an electric furnace, we get (a) \(\mathrm{CaC}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CaO}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Ca}\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)

Short answer

The answer is (a) \( \mathrm{CaC}_2 \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the reactants

In the problem, the reactants are quick lime and coke. Quick lime is chemically known as calcium oxide, \(\mathrm{CaO}\), and coke is a form of carbon, \(\mathrm{C}\).

Write the reaction equation

The chemical reaction between calcium oxide (\(\mathrm{CaO}\)) and carbon (\(\mathrm{C}\)) in an electric furnace forms calcium carbide (\(\mathrm{CaC}_2\)). The reaction can be represented as: \\[\mathrm{CaO} + 3\mathrm{C} \rightarrow \mathrm{CaC}_2 + \mathrm{CO}\].

Determine the product formed

According to the reaction equation, the main product formed from the reaction of \(\mathrm{CaO}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\) is calcium carbide, \(\mathrm{CaC}_2\).

Identify the correct option

The correct option based on the reaction is \(\mathrm{CaC}_2\), which is option (a).

Key concepts

Calcium Oxide

Calcium Oxide, also known as quick lime, is a white, caustic, alkaline substance. It has the chemical formula \( \mathrm{CaO} \). It is produced through the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, which is found in limestone. When heated, calcium carbonate breaks down to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. This process is known as calcination.

Calcium Oxide plays a pivotal role in numerous industrial applications. It is used in the production of cement, as a dehydrating agent, and in the metallurgy industry to remove impurities from metals. Its ability to react with acids, such as hydrochloric acid to form calcium chloride, further illustrates its versatility. It's important to handle it with care due to its highly caustic nature, which can cause irritation upon contact.

Carbon Chemistry

Carbon is a fascinating element, known for its ability to form a vast number of compounds. It is unique among elements because it can form many bonds with other atoms due to having four valence electrons. This property enables carbon to participate in complex chemical reactions, such as those involving the formation of calcium carbide from calcium oxide.

Coke, a solid carbonaceous material derived from coal, is used in our reaction with calcium oxide. Coke serves as a reducing agent, meaning it donates electrons to other substances, often to extract metals during industrial processes. The interaction between coke and calcium oxide forms calcium carbide in an electric furnace, which is noteworthy for reducing the energy required compared to other chemical reactions.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are processes in which the bonds between atoms in molecules are broken and reformed. This results in the transformation of reactants into different products. In the case of forming calcium carbide, the reaction involves calcium oxide and coke.

The specific equation is: \[ \mathrm{CaO} + 3\mathrm{C} \rightarrow \mathrm{CaC}_2 + \mathrm{CO} \] Here, calcium oxide and carbon react together, with coke being used as a source of carbon. In an electric furnace, the high temperature facilitates the breaking and forming of bonds necessary to create new products like calcium carbide and carbon monoxide. This reaction highlights the importance of energy input in chemical processes, as well as the utility of specific reactants, to drive reactions to completion.