the carbon dioxide product was bubbled through limewater. How would the limewater change
When carbon dioxide (CO2) is bubbled through limewater, a chemical reaction occurs that leads to a distinct change in the limewater solution. The limewater, which is a solution of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in water, reacts with the carbon dioxide to form a white, milky precipitate of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
To understand why this change occurs, we need to consider the chemistry behind it. Carbon dioxide is slightly soluble in water, and when it is dissolved in the limewater solution, it reacts with the calcium hydroxide. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:
CO2 + Ca(OH)2 → CaCO3 + H2O
As a result of this reaction, the calcium carbonate is formed as a solid, while water is produced as a byproduct. The solid calcium carbonate appears as a white, milky precipitate that causes the limewater to change its appearance.
So, if limewater is bubbled with carbon dioxide, you would observe a change as the limewater turns milky or cloudy due to the formation of calcium carbonate precipitate. This change is a clear indication that carbon dioxide is present in the solution. It is worth noting that this test is commonly used to confirm the presence of carbon dioxide gas.