CALCIUM CARBIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium carbide is a chemical compound composed of calcium and carbon atoms, with the chemical formula CaC2. It is commonly known as a grayish-white crystalline solid but can also be found in the form of granules or lumps. This compound is primarily used in industries and laboratories for various purposes due to its unique properties.
Calcium carbide is highly reactive and, when combined with water, produces acetylene gas, a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas used in various applications such as welding, metal cutting, and portable lighting. This gas is produced through the reaction of calcium carbide with water, catalyzed by the presence of appropriate amounts of impurities.
Apart from its applications in generating acetylene, calcium carbide is also used in the production of various chemicals, including vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) which is utilized in the manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It can also be employed as a desulfurizing agent in the steel industry, as a ripening agent for fruits in horticulture, and as a source of ethylene gas in the rubber industry.
Calcium carbide has to be stored properly, away from moisture and air, as it can react vigorously when exposed to these elements, producing toxic gases such as phosphine and hydrogen cyanide. Thus, precautions must be taken when handling and storing this compound to ensure safe usage.
Overall, calcium carbide is a versatile chemical compound with various industrial applications, primarily known for its role in the production of acetylene gas and its derivatives.
Common Misspellings for CALCIUM CARBIDE
- xalcium carbide
- valcium carbide
- falcium carbide
- dalcium carbide
- czlcium carbide
- cslcium carbide
- cwlcium carbide
- cqlcium carbide
- cakcium carbide
- capcium carbide
- caocium carbide
- calxium carbide
- calvium carbide
- calfium carbide
- caldium carbide
- calcuum carbide
- calcjum carbide
- calckum carbide
- calcoum carbide
Etymology of CALCIUM CARBIDE
The word "calcium carbide" can be broken down into two parts: "calcium" and "carbide".
The term "calcium" originates from the Latin word "calx", which means "lime". It was named by Sir Humphry Davy in 1808 when he discovered the element and named it for its occurrence in limestone.
The term "carbide" refers to a compound composed of carbon and another element. It comes from the word "carbo", meaning "carbon", combined with the suffix "-ide", which denotes a compound.
Therefore, "calcium carbide" is a compound formed from calcium and carbon, with calcium being the dominant element.
Similar spelling words for CALCIUM CARBIDE
- calcium hydrate,
- calcium hydroxide,
- calcium-cyanamide,
- calcium oxide,
- calcium hydride,
- calcium lactate,
- calcium blocker,
- calcium carbonate,
- calcium sulfate,
- calcium nitrate,
- calcium light,
- calcium chloride,
- calcium stearate,
- Calcium Sulphate.
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