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Write a balanced equation for the formation of calcium silicate (a component of slag) from calcium oxide in steelmaking. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question A - 2013
Question A
Write a balanced equation for the formation of calcium silicate (a component of slag) from calcium oxide in steelmaking.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a balanced equation for the formation of calcium silicate (a component of slag) from calcium oxide in steelmaking. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question A - 2013
Step 1
Write the chemical equation
Answer
To represent the formation of calcium silicate, we start with calcium oxide (CaO) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as reactants. The balanced equation can be written as follows:
ightarrow ext{CaSiO}_3$$ This equation shows that one mole of calcium oxide reacts with one mole of silicon dioxide to produce one mole of calcium silicate.Step 2
Ensure the equation is balanced
Answer
To check if the equation is balanced, we count the number of each type of atom on both sides:
- Reactants: 1 Ca (from CaO), 1 Si (from SiO₂), and 2 O (1 from CaO and 2 from SiO₂).
- Products: 1 Ca (from CaSiO₃), 1 Si (from CaSiO₃), and 3 O (3 from CaSiO₃).
The total atoms on both sides are consistent, confirming that the equation is balanced.