Balancing equation - What is the chemical formula of cement?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the chemical formula of cement and the balancing of a chemical equation involving limestone and clay. It includes aspects of chemical reactions and the composition of cement, which is relevant to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in construction.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that cement is a mixture of calcium oxide, carbon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and calcium silicate, but expresses uncertainty about the exact chemical formula of cement.
  • Another participant questions the characterization of cement as a mixture, suggesting that it may not be entirely correct.
  • Some participants argue that cement's composition is not precisely known and varies for different applications, making it impossible to write a single balanced reaction for its formation.
  • A participant mentions the complexity of the reactions involved in cement hardening and suggests looking up additional resources for more information.
  • One participant expresses frustration about the lack of a definitive answer regarding the chemical formula for cement, questioning the educational approach taken by their teacher.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the nature of cement as a mixture and whether a single balanced equation can be established. There is no consensus on the chemical formula of cement, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of its composition.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in defining cement's composition due to its variable nature and the multiple reactions involved in its production and hardening. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the calculations related to the amounts of reactants needed.

HOFBrINCl
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
There are 2 parts to this question:

1. If limestone (calcium carbonate) and clay (assume aluminum silicate) are mixed together and heated then the result is cement. Cement is a mixture of calcium oxide, carbon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and calcium silicate. These bags can be purchased at any building supplies store. Write a balanced equation.
2. If the factory has 100.0 kg of clay in its reaction vessel, then how much limestone will they need to exactly react with the clay to produce the cement?

Ok, so the first part is relatively simple, the only problem is I can not find what the chemical formula of cement is... there appear to be quite a few different formulas online. limestone is (CaCO3) and clay or aluminum silicate is (Al2SiO5). Once I find what cement is it will be easy to solve.

I'm a little uncertain about the next part too... ok, so I found out there are 162.05g/mol of Aluminum silicate, which would make 162,050mols of clay in the reaction vessel. So where can I go from here? thanks in advance people
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Not sure if it's correct, but in your post it's stated that cement is a mixture.
 
I will be brutally honest - this is a stupid question. Cement is a mixture of not precisely known composition, as different compositions are required for different applications. There are many reactions taking place and it is not possible to write ONE balanced reaction.

That said, some googling will lead you here:

http://matse1.mse.uiuc.edu/concrete/prin.html

and you will find some of the most important reactions taking part during cement hardening there.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Borek said:
I will be brutally honest - this is a stupid question. Cement is a mixture of not precisely known composition, as different compositions are required for different applications. There are many reactions taking place and it is not possible to write ONE balanced reaction.

That said, some googling will lead you here:

http://matse1.mse.uiuc.edu/concrete/prin.html

and you will find some of the most important reactions taking part during cement hardening there.

its a stupid question I know, why didn't my teacher just give me what they think the chemical formula for cement is? I think this question is a dead end
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

How Much Limestone is Needed to React with 100 kg of Clay to Produce Cement?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
What is the chemical formula of cement?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
81K
Chemical Reaction Homework: Balancing Equation for CaCO3 & Al2(SiO3)3
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Chemistry How do we interpret the steps in the algorithm to balance a redox equation?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Constructing a balanced equation for KClO3+H2SO4
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
What is the Chemical equation of this?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Is it the metal in my above balanced equation ?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Black Powder Combustion: Balanced Chemical Equations with State Symbols
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Pyrite roasting -- Mass balance with chemical reaction
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
Are My Chemical Reaction Equations Correct?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K