Calcium hydroxide facts for kids
Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime, is a special type of chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Ca(OH)2. This means it's made of one calcium atom, two oxygen atoms, and two hydrogen atoms. It's a base, which is the opposite of an acid. You might find it in many places, from building materials to farming.
Contents
What is Calcium Hydroxide?
Calcium hydroxide is a white powder that doesn't dissolve much in water. When it does mix with water, it forms a milky solution called "limewater." It's known as "slaked lime" because it's made by adding water to another chemical called calcium oxide (which is also called "quicklime"). This process is like "slaking" or satisfying the quicklime's thirst for water.
How is it Made?
One way to make calcium hydroxide is by adding water to calcium oxide. This reaction creates heat. It can also be made as a byproduct in some industrial processes, like the chloralkali process. This process is used to make chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
Basic Properties
Calcium hydroxide is a mild base. This means it can help to balance out acids. For example, if soil is too acidic, adding slaked lime can make it less acidic. This helps plants grow better. If you heat calcium hydroxide, you can remove the water from it. This turns it back into calcium oxide.
Uses of Calcium Hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide has many important uses in our daily lives.
In Agriculture
Farmers often use calcium hydroxide to improve their soil. If the soil is too acidic, it can harm crops. Adding slaked lime helps to neutralize the acid. This makes the soil healthier for plants to grow. It also adds calcium, which is an important nutrient for plants.
In Construction
Slaked lime is a key ingredient in many building materials. It's used to make mortar and plaster. These materials help to hold bricks together and create smooth walls. It also helps to make concrete stronger and more durable.
Other Everyday Uses
- Water Treatment: It's used to clean water by removing impurities.
- Food Industry: Sometimes, it's used in food processing, like in making corn tortillas or in pickling. It's an approved food additive with the E-number E526.
- Dental Materials: Dentists use it in some dental procedures because of its mild basic properties.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
An image of calcium hydroxide plates, seen under a special microscope.
See also
In Spanish: Hidróxido de calcio para niños
