When sulfuric acid is a component of polluted air, it chemically attacks statues
ID: 782631 • Letter: W
Question
When sulfuric acid is a component of polluted air, it chemically attacks statues, memorials, and monuments made from limestone. Given that the most common mineral in limestone is calcium carbonate, describe how these limestone objects are corroded by the sulfuric acid in polluted air. What chemical reaction is involved here? When sulfuric acid is a component of polluted air, it chemically attacks statues, memorials, and monuments made from limestone. Given that the most common mineral in limestone is calcium carbonate, describe how these limestone objects are corroded by the sulfuric acid in polluted air. What chemical reaction is involved here? When sulfuric acid is a component of polluted air, it chemically attacks statues, memorials, and monuments made from limestone. Given that the most common mineral in limestone is calcium carbonate, describe how these limestone objects are corroded by the sulfuric acid in polluted air. What chemical reaction is involved here?Explanation / Answer
the chemical reaction is:
H2SO4(aq) + CaCO3(s) --> CaSO4(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
note;
Acids have a corrosive effect on limestone or marble buildings or sculptures. It is well established that either wet or dry deposition of sulfur dioxide significantly increases the rate of corrosion on limestone, sandstone, and marble.
sulfur dioxide plus water makes sulfurous acid
SO2 + H2O --> H2SO3
sulfur trioxide plus water makes sulfuric acid
SO3 + H2O --> H2SO4
The sulfuric acid then further reacts with the limestone in a neutralization reaction.
Limestone: CaCO3 + H2SO4 --> CaSO4 + H2CO3
H2CO3 --> CO2 gas + H2O
The calcium sulfate is soluble in water and hence the limestone dissolves and crumbles
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