Limewater Test: Dedicated Test for Carbon Dioxide

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In summary, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide can both cause limewater to turn milky, resulting in a positive test. However, passing sulphur dioxide through limewater for a prolonged period of time can also result in a clear solution, making it an unreliable test for carbon dioxide. Additionally, excess amounts of carbon dioxide can also form a clear solution, making it difficult to distinguish between the two gases. Despite this, limewater is often used as a dedicated test for carbon dioxide.
  • #1
abcd8989
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Carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide both can turn limewater milky. Either the presence of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide can give a positive test result. Why limewater test can be a dedicated test for carbon dioxide?
 
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  • #2
abcd8989 said:
Why limewater test can be a dedicated test for carbon dioxide?

It isn't. (But if you pass SO2 through it long enough, it will form CaS and become clear again, so in this particular case, it can be a test if you have enough gas.)
 
  • #3
alxm said:
It isn't. (But if you pass SO2 through it long enough, it will form CaS and become clear again, so in this particular case, it can be a test if you have enough gas.)
If excess amount of carbon dioxide is bubbled into limewater, a clear solution can also be formed (calcium hydrogencarbonate formed). So, excess gas also cannot distinguish between sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide. I wonder why we usually conclude that carbon dioxide is present if a positive result is shown in limewater test, ignore that it is the presence of sulphur dioxide leading to the positive result.
 
  • #4
abcd8989 said:
If excess amount of carbon dioxide is bubbled into limewater, a clear solution can also be formed (calcium hydrogencarbonate formed).

Not true. You will never make a bicarbonate of calcium. It just doesn't happen. ... as a solid anyway.
 
  • #5


The limewater test is considered a dedicated test for carbon dioxide because it specifically tests for the presence of this gas in a given substance. Carbon dioxide is known to react with limewater, causing it to turn milky, while other gases such as sulphur dioxide may also produce the same reaction. However, the limewater test is specifically designed to detect carbon dioxide, as it is a common and important gas in many scientific and industrial processes. Therefore, the limewater test is a reliable method for determining the presence of carbon dioxide in a substance, making it a dedicated test for this gas.
 
  • #6


The limewater test is a dedicated test for carbon dioxide because it specifically detects the presence of this gas in a solution. While other gases, such as sulphur dioxide, can also cause the limewater to turn milky, the test is designed to specifically identify the presence of carbon dioxide. This is due to the unique chemical reaction that occurs between carbon dioxide and limewater, which produces calcium carbonate (the milky substance). This reaction is not seen with other gases, making the limewater test a reliable and specific method for detecting carbon dioxide. Therefore, the limewater test is considered a dedicated test for carbon dioxide.
 

1. What is the Limewater Test and how does it work?

The Limewater Test is a dedicated test used to detect the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in a substance. It works by bubbling the substance being tested through limewater (a solution of calcium hydroxide). If CO2 is present, it reacts with the calcium hydroxide to form a white precipitate of calcium carbonate, indicating the presence of CO2.

2. Why is the Limewater Test specifically used for detecting CO2?

The Limewater Test is specifically used for detecting CO2 because it is a highly sensitive and accurate test for this gas. CO2 is a major component of the Earth's atmosphere and is also produced through various natural and man-made processes, making it an important gas to monitor in scientific research and environmental studies.

3. How is the Limewater solution prepared for the test?

The Limewater solution is prepared by dissolving calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in water. The resulting solution is then filtered to remove any impurities and is ready to be used for the Limewater Test.

4. What are the limitations of the Limewater Test?

While the Limewater Test is a sensitive and specific test for CO2, it has some limitations. It can only detect the presence of CO2 and cannot differentiate between different gases. It also requires a relatively large amount of CO2 to produce a visible reaction, making it less effective for detecting trace amounts of the gas.

5. What are some practical applications of the Limewater Test?

The Limewater Test has various practical applications in different fields of science, such as environmental studies, chemistry, and biology. It is commonly used to monitor CO2 levels in the atmosphere, in industrial processes, and in biological experiments. It can also be used to test for the presence of CO2 in breath, which can indicate certain medical conditions.

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