The Production of Acetylene Gas from Calcium Carbide

What happens when calcium carbide is mixed with water?

A) It produces acetylene gas.

B) It produces potassium carbonate.

C) It produces carbon dioxide.

D) It produces acetylene carbide.

Answer:

The correct answer is A) It produces acetylene gas.

When calcium carbide is mixed with water, it produces acetylene gas. This reaction is commonly used in the production of acetylene gas for various industrial and commercial applications. The chemical equation for this reaction is:

CaC2 + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2 + C2H2

Calcium carbide (CaC2) reacts with water (H2O) to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and acetylene gas (C2H2). Acetylene gas is a highly flammable gas with various uses in welding, cutting, and as a chemical intermediate.

It is important to handle calcium carbide carefully as it can react violently with water, releasing acetylene gas in the process. The production of acetylene gas from calcium carbide and water is a controlled process in industrial settings to ensure safety and efficiency.