When air is blown from mouth into a test tube containing limewater, th

When air is blown from mouth into a test tube containing limewater, the limewater turns milky. This is due to the presence of

water vapour
oxygen
carbon dioxide
carbon monoxide
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2020
Limewater is a solution of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). When carbon dioxide (CO₂) is passed through limewater, it reacts to form insoluble calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which precipitates out of the solution, causing it to turn milky or cloudy. Human exhaled air contains a higher concentration of carbon dioxide compared to inhaled air.
– Limewater (Calcium hydroxide solution) is a test for carbon dioxide.
– The reaction is: Ca(OH)₂(aq) + CO₂(g) → CaCO₃(s) + H₂O(l).
– Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is insoluble, causing the milky appearance.
– Human breath contains significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
The reaction is reversible. If excess carbon dioxide is passed through the milky solution, the calcium carbonate can react further with water and carbon dioxide to form soluble calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂), causing the milkiness to disappear.
CaCO₃(s) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g) → Ca(HCO₃)₂(aq)