International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

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What is the word equation for the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate?

Calcium carbonate -> calcium oxide + oxygen
Calcium carbonate -> calcium oxide + carbon dioxide
Calcium carbonate -> calcium + carbon dioxide
Calcium carbonate -> carbon + calcium oxide

The correct answer is: Calcium carbonate -> calcium oxide + carbon dioxide

The thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate is an important chemical reaction in which calcium carbonate breaks down into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide when heated. This process is significant in various applications, such as in the production of lime (calcium oxide) used in construction and other industries. In the correct word equation, calcium carbonate, when subjected to heat, decomposes to yield calcium oxide, which is a solid, and carbon dioxide, a gas that is released into the atmosphere. The reaction can be represented as: Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) → Calcium oxide (CaO) + Carbon dioxide (CO2). This equation accurately represents the products formed during the decomposition process and highlights the transformation of calcium carbonate into its constituent compounds upon heating.