Knowra Calcium oxide Calcium oxide Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly called quicklime, is an inorganic compound made from calcium and oxygen. It reacts vigorously with water to form calcium hydroxide and releases heat.
Calcium hydroxide : An inorganic compound, Ca(OH)₂, formed when calcium oxide reacts with water. Hydration converts quicklime into this alkaline product and releases substantial heat.
Lime kiln : An industrial furnace that heats limestone to produce lime and carbon dioxide. Lime kilns supply the heat needed to make calcium oxide from limestone.
Limestone : A sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Calcining limestone is the principal industrial route to calcium oxide.
Calcium oxide versus calcium hydroxide : A comparison of quicklime, CaO, with slaked lime, Ca(OH)₂. The compounds differ by water content, handling, and behavior during hydration.
Slaking : The reaction of quicklime with water to produce calcium hydroxide. This exothermic hydration is the defining transformation of calcium oxide in use.
Steelmaking : The industrial production of steel from iron or recycled steel. Quicklime binds acidic impurities into slag during basic oxygen steelmaking.
Calcination : The heating of a solid to cause thermal decomposition or remove volatile substances. Calcination drives carbon dioxide from limestone, leaving quicklime.
Calcium carbonate versus calcium oxide : A comparison of limestone’s principal compound, CaCO₃, with quicklime, CaO. Heating calcium carbonate produces calcium oxide while releasing carbon dioxide.
Calcium carbonate : A mineral compound, CaCO₃, found in limestone, chalk, and marble. Calcium oxide forms this compound when it absorbs carbon dioxide from air.
Cement : A binding material that hardens through reactions with water and is used in concrete and mortar. Calcium oxide is a major constituent of Portland cement clinker.
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