What is the chemical formula for calcium carbonate?

What is the chemical formula for calcium carbonate?

• A. CaCO₂
• B. CaCO₃
• C. Ca(OH)₂
• D. CaCl₂

Answer: (B)

The chemical formula for calcium carbonate is represented as CaCO₃. This compound consists of one calcium atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms, which is why the subscript for oxygen is three. Calcium carbonate is commonly found in nature as minerals like calcite and aragonite and is a significant component of limestone and marble. It is also widely used in construction, as a dietary supplement for calcium, and in various industrial applications. The other choices do not represent calcium carbonate: - CaCO₂ suggests a compound that does not exist in a stable form under normal conditions and implies an excess of oxygen. - Ca(OH)₂ represents calcium hydroxide, which is a different compound often used in water treatment and as a caustic soda. - CaCl₂ is calcium chloride, a compound used in de-icing and as a drying agent, which does not contain carbonate. Understanding these chemical formulas and their structures can help clarify their distinct properties and applications.

The chemical formula for calcium carbonate is represented as CaCO₃. This compound consists of one calcium atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms, which is why the subscript for oxygen is three. Calcium carbonate is commonly found in nature as minerals like calcite and aragonite and is a significant component of limestone and marble. It is also widely used in construction, as a dietary supplement for calcium, and in various industrial applications.

The other choices do not represent calcium carbonate:

• CaCO₂ suggests a compound that does not exist in a stable form under normal conditions and implies an excess of oxygen.

• Ca(OH)₂ represents calcium hydroxide, which is a different compound often used in water treatment and as a caustic soda.

• CaCl₂ is calcium chloride, a compound used in de-icing and as a drying agent, which does not contain carbonate.

Understanding these chemical formulas and their structures can help clarify their distinct properties and applications.