Question

How do you write the ionization equation for calcium hydroxide: $Ca(OH)_{2}$?

Answer 1

Ionization energy is the amount of energy required in eliminating an electron from an atom or ion. The ionization equation shows the charge on ions as superscript.

Complete answer:
- Calcium hydroxide is produced by slaking quicklime, i.e., calcium oxide (CaO), with water. This is the reason it is also known as slaked lime.
- The chemical formula for slaked lime is $Ca(OH)_{2}$. It is an ionic compound where calcium loses its two electrons to polyatomic hydroxide ions.
- Calcium hydroxide is used in white washing. It reacts with carbon dioxide slowly and forms a layer of calcium carbonate on the wall which gives shine to the wall.
- Even though, oxygen and hydrogen atoms of polyatomic hydroxide anion possess covalent bonds between them. Strong hydrogen bonds exist between the layers of calcium hydroxides.
- The ionization equation represents that charge on each atom as subscripts. The equation for calcium hydroxide is shown below.
${Ca(OH)_{2}}_{s} \rightarrow {Ca^{2+}}_{aq}+{OH^{-}}_{aq}$.

Additional information: Calcium hydroxide is being used from ancient warfare. The roman empire used lime-based mortars in their architecture. Lime is present in the construction material of the great wall of China. It is also used in the manufacturing of sugar from sugar cane. It makes sugarcane juice alkaline and precipitates its impurities.

Note: Ionization energy is the least amount of energy required for an electron in a vaporous atom or ion to consume to come out of effect of the nucleus. The ionization process is an endothermic process in nature.