Question

Calcium carbonate is most likely to dissolve in water with which characteristics? A.low pressure and cold temperatures B. low carbon dioxide and warm temperatures lots of carbon dioxide and cold temperatures C. lots of carbon dioxide and warm temperatures low pressure and warm temperatures

Answer 1

Answer:

lots of carbon dioxide and cold temperatures

Explanation:

Calcium carbonate has low solubility at room temperature and the solubility increases as the temperature decreases. The solubility of calcium carbonate also increases in water with high level of carbon dioxide due to the formation of more soluble bicarbonate.

$CaCO_3_{(s)} + CO_2_{(g)} + H_2O_{(l)} --> Ca(HCO_3)_2_{(aq)}$

This is why carbon dioxide rich rainwater is able to erode limestone rocks, leading to the formation of caves, stalactites and other structures in the long run as a result of reversal of the process.