Using Limestone (WJEC GCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Using Limestone
What is limestone used for?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock and is a valuable resource from the Earth’s crust
Limestone is commonly used in construction and statues
Limestone is commonly used as a building material but it also has many other applications
Uses of Limestone
Use | How |
|---|---|
Manufacturing iron/steel | Limestone is also used to remove acidic impurities from the blast furnace when making iron |
Ingredient in food and toothpaste | Limestone is added to food to provide calcium ions for strong teeth and bones. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste |
Building material | Can be used to build statues and in construction |
Making cement | Cement is made by heating powdered limestone with clay. This is used as an ingredient in mortar and concrete (Mortar – used to join bricks together) Concrete is made by mixing cement with sand, water and crushed rock |
Agriculture | It can be used to neutralise acidic soil to allow crops to grow more effectively Quicklime and slaked lime can also be used for this. |
Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Limestone
How is limestone extracted from the ground?
Most limestone is obtained by quarrying, where the rock is blasted out of the ground in huge pits
Limestone Quarry
Limestone quarries offer opportunities for the local community though also bring disruption
Photo by Stamford Stone
Advantages and disadvantages of quarrying
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Provides materials for the construction industry | Destruction of the landscape and wildlife habitats |
More local jobs | Regular blasting produces excessive noise and dust for local residents |
Supports the local economy | Dust and extra vehicle pollution can lead to increased numbers of respiratory conditions, e.g. asthma |
Better local road system | Increase in traffic, e.g. transport lorries |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you can give your own opinion and argue a case for or against quarrying limestone in a particular location
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