Question

Is calcium carbonate soluble in water?

Answer 1

Hint: Calcium carbonate is calcite. It is an inorganic compound. It is an ionic compound. We know that ionic compounds usually get ionized when dissolved in water. But the case is different for calcium carbonate. It usually does not dissolve in water.

Complete answer:
Calcium carbonate is a chemical inorganic compound having the chemical formula \[CaC{O_3}\]. It is also known as calcite. It is found in the crust of the earth. It has many different forms such as marble, limestone, etc. it is non-toxic odorless gas, found commonly as a white mineral that occurs naturally in limestones, chalks, and marbles. It is also the main chemical constituent of eggshells, sea shells, oyster shells, snail shells, corals, etc.
The calcium carbonate is a strong ionic compound. It has a very high electrostatic force of attraction; because of this the atoms are very tightly held together. These attractions are so strong that it becomes difficult to break the bonds apart. This is what happens when calcium carbonate is dissolved in water. Bonds being very strong do not break, leading to calcium carbonate being insoluble in water. Moreover ionization of calcium carbonate is not taking place in water. And so calcium carbonate is insoluble in water.

Note:
Dissolution of ionic compounds depends upon two factors: lattice energy and hydration energy. In case of calcium carbonate the lattice energy is very high which is also one of the reasons why calcium carbonate is insoluble in water. The acid reacts with the carbonate to produce water and carbon dioxide; the resulting calcium acetate is soluble in water.