What is the chemical name of Marble?
Calcium carbonate
Understanding the Chemical Name of Marble
Marble is a beautiful metamorphic rock widely used in construction and sculpture. It is formed when limestone is subjected to high heat and pressure over time. The primary component of limestone is calcium carbonate, and during the metamorphosis into marble, this chemical composition is retained.
Identifying the Main Component of Marble
The question asks for the chemical name of Marble. We know that Marble originates from limestone, and the main chemical compound in limestone is calcium carbonate. Therefore, the chemical name of Marble is Calcium carbonate.
Let's look at the options provided:
- Magnesium oxide
- Sodium hydroxide
- Calcium hydroxide
- Calcium carbonate
Analyzing the Options
Let's consider what each chemical name represents:
- Magnesium oxide: This is a compound with the chemical formula $\text{MgO}$. It's a white solid and is often used as a refractory material or an antacid. It is not the main component of Marble.
- Sodium hydroxide: This is a compound with the chemical formula $\text{NaOH}$. It's a strong base, also known as caustic soda, used in many industrial processes. It is not related to Marble.
- Calcium hydroxide: This is a compound with the chemical formula $\text{Ca(OH)}_2$. It is also known as slaked lime and is produced by adding water to calcium oxide (quicklime). While related to calcium compounds, it is not the main component of Marble.
- Calcium carbonate: This is a compound with the chemical formula $\text{CaCO}_3$. It is a common substance found in rocks like limestone, chalk, and marble, as well as in shells of marine organisms and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is indeed the primary chemical constituent of Marble.
Based on the analysis, Calcium carbonate is the chemical substance that makes up the majority of Marble.
| Substance (Common Name) | Chemical Name | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Marble, Limestone, Chalk | Calcium carbonate | $\text{CaCO}_3$ |
| Quicklime | Calcium oxide | $\text{CaO}$ |
| Slaked lime | Calcium hydroxide | $\text{Ca(OH)}_2$ |
| Caustic soda | Sodium hydroxide | $\text{NaOH}$ |
| Magnesia | Magnesium oxide | $\text{MgO}$ |
Therefore, the chemical name of Marble is Calcium carbonate.
Revision Table: Key Facts about Marble Chemistry
| Term | Description / Chemical Formula |
|---|---|
| Marble | Metamorphic rock, primarily composed of Calcium carbonate. |
| Calcium carbonate | $\text{CaCO}_3$, main chemical compound in Marble, Limestone, and Chalk. |
| Origin of Marble | Formed from the metamorphosis of Limestone or Dolostone. |
Additional Information on Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate ($\text{CaCO}_3$) is a versatile substance with numerous applications:
- Building Material: Used as a component in cement, as aggregate for concrete, and as cut stone (Marble, Limestone).
- Filler and Pigment: Used in paper, plastics, paints, and coatings.
- Agriculture: Used as a soil conditioner to neutralize acidic soils.
- Food and Health: Used as a dietary calcium supplement, antacid, and ingredient in some toothpastes.
- Industrial Use: Used in the production of iron and steel, and in flue gas desulfurization.
Its widespread availability and properties make Calcium carbonate a crucial chemical in various industries.
Important Questions from Chemical Bond and Molecular Structure
- Which one of the following is a covalent compound?
Which one of the following is the correct molecular formula of ammonium carbonate if the valency of ammonium ion is (+1) and carbonate anion is (-2)?
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Which one of the following is the chemical formula of gypsum?
Which one of the following statements about water is not true ?
