Calcium chloride facts for kids
Calcium chloride is a common chemical compound. It is made from two elements: calcium and chlorine. Its chemical formula is CaCl2. This compound is known for absorbing water from the air. When it dissolves in water, it also releases heat.
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What is Calcium Chloride?
Calcium chloride is a type of salt. It is similar to table salt, but it contains calcium instead of sodium. You might have seen it used in many places. It is often found as a white solid. It can be in flakes, pellets, or powder.
How is Calcium Chloride Used?
Melting Ice on Roads
One of the most common uses for calcium chloride is melting ice. It is spread on roads and sidewalks in winter. It helps to melt ice and snow. This makes roads safer for cars and people. It works even at very cold temperatures.
Keeping Dust Down
Calcium chloride is also used on dirt roads. It helps to keep dust from flying up. It does this by absorbing moisture from the air. This makes the road surface slightly damp. This dampness helps to hold the dust down.
Other Uses
Calcium chloride can be found in many other products. It is used in some foods as a firming agent. This means it helps keep things like canned vegetables firm. It is also used in swimming pools. It helps to keep the water balanced. In laboratories, it can be used to dry things. This is because it is very good at absorbing water.
How is Calcium Chloride Made?
Calcium chloride can be made in a few ways. One way is by mixing calcium oxide with hydrochloric acid. This process creates calcium chloride that has water molecules attached to it. This form is called "hydrated."
For many uses, a form without water is needed. This is called "anhydrous" calcium chloride. To get pure calcium metal, calcium chloride is melted at a very high temperature. Then, electricity is passed through it. This process is called electrolysis. It separates the calcium from the chlorine.
Images for kids
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Bulk CaCl
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Calcium chloride was sprayed on this road to prevent weathering, giving it a wet appearance even in dry weather.
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Flame test of CaCl
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See also
In Spanish: Cloruro de calcio para niños
