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  • Understanding the Clouding of Calcium Hydroxide Solutions with Carbon Dioxide
    The aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) becomes blurred when you send carbon dioxide (CO₂) into it because of a chemical reaction that forms a precipitate. Here's why:

    1. Calcium Hydroxide (Limewater):

    * Calcium hydroxide is a weak base and its aqueous solution is known as limewater.

    * Limewater is clear and colorless.

    2. Reaction with Carbon Dioxide:

    * When carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through limewater, it reacts with the calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and water (H₂O).

    * The chemical equation for this reaction is:

    ```

    Ca(OH)₂ (aq) + CO₂ (g) → CaCO₃ (s) + H₂O (l)

    ```

    3. Formation of the Precipitate:

    * Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is an insoluble white solid. This means it doesn't dissolve well in water.

    * As the reaction progresses, the insoluble calcium carbonate precipitates out of the solution, forming a milky-white suspension.

    4. Blurred Appearance:

    * The suspension of tiny calcium carbonate particles scatters light in all directions, making the solution appear cloudy or blurred.

    In Summary:

    The carbon dioxide reacts with the calcium hydroxide, producing a white precipitate of calcium carbonate. This precipitate makes the solution cloudy and opaque, leading to the blurred appearance.

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