Mixing calcium carbide and water will produce acetylene gas?

• A. Calcium carbide
• B. Potassium carbonate
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Acetylene carbide

Answer: (A)

Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas. When CaC2 meets H2O, the reaction forms calcium hydroxide and acetylene: CaC2 + 2 H2O → Ca(OH)2 + C2H2. The option that names calcium carbide is the best answer because it identifies the substance that reacts to generate the acetylene. The actual gas produced is acetylene, not acetylene carbide, and the other choices (potassium carbonate and carbon dioxide) are not part of this reaction.