Give reactions for calcination of calcium carbonate

When calcium carbonate is calcined, it breaks into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide: CaCO₃(s) → CaO(s) + CO₂(g).

What calcination means

Calcination is a high-temperature treatment carried out in limited or no air to remove volatile parts from an ore or compound. For carbonates like calcium carbonate, the goal is to drive off carbon dioxide and leave a stable oxide. The process usually runs at temperatures below the melting point of the solid and without full oxidation.

Balanced chemical equation

Calcium carbonate (limestone): CaCO₃(s) → CaO(s) + CO₂(g) Δ Common name of CaO: quicklime; CO₂ is released as gas 

Thermal conditions and equilibrium

• Temperature window: Industrial kilns typically operate at 900–1100 °C for efficient decomposition.
• Equilibrium pressure: The decomposition is favored when the partial pressure of CO₂ is kept low. Removing CO₂ shifts the reaction to the right (Le Châtelier’s principle).
• Particle size and residence time: Smaller particles and proper kiln residence time improve conversion and reduce unreacted cores.

Useful related reactionsMagnesium carbonate: 

MgCO₃(s) → MgO(s) + CO₂(g) 

Zinc carbonate (smithsonite): ZnCO₃(s) → ZnO(s) + CO₂(g) 

Lead carbonate (cerussite): PbCO₃(s) → PbO(s) + CO₂(g) 

Iron(II) carbonate (siderite): FeCO₃(s) → FeO(s) + CO₂(g) (often further oxidizes) 

Aluminium hydroxide in bauxite: Al(OH)₃(s) → Al₂O₃(s) + H₂O(g) (dehydroxylation is also called calcination)