Describe how you would identify limestone as a parent material in a soil. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question (i) - 2011
Question (i)
Describe how you would identify limestone as a parent material in a soil.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe how you would identify limestone as a parent material in a soil. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question (i) - 2011
Step 1
Add acid to sample
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Answer
Begin the identification process by taking a small sample of the soil suspected to contain limestone. Carefully add a few drops of a weak acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), to the soil sample.
Step 2
Observe bubbling
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If the sample contains limestone, a reaction will occur, resulting in visible bubbling or fizzing. This is due to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas as the acid reacts with the calcium carbonate found in limestone.
Step 3
Test for CO₂
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Answer
To further confirm the presence of carbonates, you may capture the gas evolved in a test tube and conduct a limewater test. If the evolved gas turns the limewater cloudy, this indicates the presence of CO₂, thereby confirming the identification of limestone as a parent material in the soil.
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