Chalk
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WHAT is Chalk?

Chalk is a chemical compound that can be found in common households, snail shells, oysters and certain rock formations. The chemical name for it is Calcium carbonate. In terms of being calcium carbonate, other names would include Limestone, Calcium Carbonate, Marble, Calcite, Seashells and Aragonite.(Hazmap,2014)

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CHALK BASICS

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This is the chemical formula for Chalk. Calcium (with two less electrons) bonded with carbon and three oxygen atoms (with two more electrons). (Devon Goldhammer,Unknown)

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This is the molecular structure of CaCO3 or chalk. Each molecule contains a calcium atom (black), carbon atom (green), and three oxygen atoms. (WiseGEEK,2003-14)

Physical properties of chalk:
  • Appearance: Soft solid that easily breaks down in to powdery dust. 
  • Colour: Primarily white or colourless crystals. With dye, it can be any colour.
  • Odor- Nothing notable.
  • Taste- Nothing notable, however in your mouth it becomes like mushy sand. Not recommended for eating purposes. 
    (R.N. Mortimore, 2004)
Chemical properties of chalk
  • No rapid reactions with with air or water.
  • Not toxic.
  • Not flammable or combustible.
  • Decomposes at 825 degrees Celsius into carbon dioxide and calcium oxide.
  • Very basic and stable. 
(CAMEOChemicals, 2012)

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