Question

“Formation of stalactite and stalagmite is the property of calcium and barium bicarbonates which changes to carbonates.”
Answer whether the statement is true or false.
If true enter 1, else enter 0.

Answer 1

Hint: Formation of stalactite and stalagmite is the property of only one element which belongs to the second group of s-block. Stalactite and stalagmite are found in the limestone caves.

Complete answer:
Calcium bicarbonates have the property of formation of stalactite and stalagmite which then changes to carbonates.
Stalactites and stalagmites are mostly found in limestone caves which are mostly composed of calcite molecules. Calcite molecule is a common mineral that is found in sedimentary rocks.
Calcite molecule has a formula of $CaC{{O}_{3}}$ or also called as calcium carbonate, is made up of calcium and carbonate ion
The calcium carbonate or calcite changes to calcium bicarbonate when it comes in contact with water. It happens when rain falls over the limestone cave.
When rain falls over the cave and the water penetrates the rocks, it picks up the carbon dioxide and minerals of the limestone.
Or easily, we can say that, when water is added to carbon dioxide and water formation of calcium bicarbonates takes place. The reaction is:
$CaC{{O}_{3}}+C{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to Ca{{(HC{{O}_{3}})}_{2}}$

Hence, $Ca{{(HC{{O}_{3}})}_{2}}$ is the calcium bicarbonate, this is the mineral which carries the calcite.
When the calcium bicarbonate comes in contact with air once again it converts back into the carbonate mineral or calcite. This causes cracks in the rock.
Hence, the statement “Formation of stalactite and stalagmite is the property of calcium and barium bicarbonates which changes to carbonates” is false. It is the property of calcium only.

Note: There are different types of stalactites and stalagmites like limestone stalagmite or stalactites, lava stalagmite or stalactites, ice stalagmite or stalactites, and concrete derived stalagmites or stalactites.