Question

Why does carbon dioxide turn lime water milky?

Answer 1

• Carbon is a non metal and its oxide i.e. carbon dioxide (${\mathrm{CO}}_2$) is acidic in nature.
• Lime water {dilute $\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2$} is basic in nature and is a transparent liquid.
• When non-metal oxides being acidic react with a base, salt and water are formed.
• When carbon dioxide is passed through lime water, calcium carbonate is formed which turns lime water milky.

$\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2$(aq) + ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$(aq)$\to$ ${\mathrm{CaCO}}_3$(s) ↓ + ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$(l)