Lawrie Ryan and Roger Norris Solutions for Chapter: Group 2, Exercise 2: Questions for discussion

Limestone rock is mined from huge quarries before being taken to lime kilns to be roasted. In a small group, discuss some environmental impacts of using the world's most common building material, concrete.

When lightning strikes during a thunderstorm, the rain that falls is a dilute solution of nitric acid (${\mathrm{HNO}}_3$). Work with a partner to write a balanced chemical equation, including state symbols, to show how slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) added to the soil can neutralise nitric acid.

Justify which is the more important use of a Group 2 compound: making concrete or raising the pH of soil.