Question

Describe the importance of the following:

A Limestone

B Cement

C Plaster of Paris

Answer 1

Chemically, limestone is \(CaCO_3\).


Importance of limestone [Calcium carbonate $\left(CaC{O}_3\right)$ ]

1. It is used as a building material in the form of marble and in the manufacture of quick lime.

2. Calcium carbonate along with magnesium carbonate is used as a flux in the extraction of metals such as iron.

3. Specially precipitated $CaC{O}_3$ is extensively used in the manufacture of high-quality paper.

4. It is also used as an antacid, mild abrasive in toothpaste, a constituent of chewing gum, and a filer in cosmetics.

Cement is an important building material. It is a product obtained by combining materials such as limestone (provides lime) and clay (provides alumina and silica, $Si{O}_2$) along with the oxides of iron and magnesium.

Chemically, cement is a mixture of calcium silicate and calcium aluminate.

Importance of Cement

(a) concrete and reinforced concrete.
(b) plastering.
(c) the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, etc.

Chemically, plaster of Paris is $(CaS{O}_4.\frac{1}{2}{H}_{2}O)$

$\text{Importance of Plaster of Paris}:$

1. Doctors use Plaster of Paris to set the fractured bone.

2. Plaster of Paris is used for making toys, materials for decoration and for making surfaces smooth.