Question

Describe two important uses of each of the following:
(i) Caustic soda
(ii) Sodium Carbonate
(iii) Quicklime

Answer 1

Caustic soda is chemically known as Sodium hydroxide, $NaOH$. It is an inorganic compound. Sodium carbonate, $N{a_2}C{O_3}$. It is a chemical compound that is commonly known as washing soda. Quicklime is a common name for calcium oxide, $CaO$. It is produced by heating crushed limestone to around $1100{}^{\circ} C$.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
(i) Caustic soda:
1. Caustic soda can be used in the manufacturing of soap.
2. It is also used for the manufacturing of artificial silk, paper and other chemicals.
3. Caustic soda is used for mercerization of cotton fabrics in textile industries.
(ii) Sodium carbonate:
Sodium carbonate is commonly known as washing soda.
1. It is used in cleaning different products.
2. Sodium carbonate can also be used for the production of glass.
3. It is also used as a food additive.
(iii) Quicklime:
1. Quicklime is used in the production of iron, steel, paper and pulp.
2. It is used to manufacture sodium carbonate, $N{a_2}C{O_3}$ with addition of sodium hydroxide, $NaOH.$
3. It is also used as a flux in metallurgy.

Note:
1. Mercerization in textile plants is a chemical treatment given to cotton fabrics to increase their affinity to hold dyes. It also increases the tensile strength of cotton fibers. And make them strong.
2. Sodium carbonate is also used for softening hard water and for washing in laundry.
3. Quicklime is also used for the treatment of water and flue gases in the mining industry.