Which gas is produced when calcium carbide reacts with water?

Enhance your welding skills with the WELD 121 Test. Tackle multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which gas is produced when calcium carbide reacts with water?

Explanation:
When calcium carbide meets water, the acetylide part of CaC2 reacts with water to release a simple hydrocarbons gas—acetylene. The reaction is CaC2 + 2 H2O → Ca(OH)2 + C2H2, so the gas produced is C2H2 (acetylene) and calcium hydroxide forms as the solid byproduct. This specific hydrolysis of calcium carbide is why acetylene appears instead of hydrogen, methane, or carbon monoxide. Hydrogen could appear in other reactions with water, but not from this acetylide-containing compound; methane would require additional carbon and hydrogen rearrangements, and carbon monoxide would need different oxidation conditions. Acetylene is the characteristic product here, which is why it’s the correct understanding of the process.

When calcium carbide meets water, the acetylide part of CaC2 reacts with water to release a simple hydrocarbons gas—acetylene. The reaction is CaC2 + 2 H2O → Ca(OH)2 + C2H2, so the gas produced is C2H2 (acetylene) and calcium hydroxide forms as the solid byproduct. This specific hydrolysis of calcium carbide is why acetylene appears instead of hydrogen, methane, or carbon monoxide. Hydrogen could appear in other reactions with water, but not from this acetylide-containing compound; methane would require additional carbon and hydrogen rearrangements, and carbon monoxide would need different oxidation conditions. Acetylene is the characteristic product here, which is why it’s the correct understanding of the process.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy