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Is CaO H2O → Ca(OH)2 balanced

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Yes, the equation CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2 is already balanced as written. Each side contains one calcium atom, two hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, satisfying the law of conservation of mass. This represents the slaking of quicklime, where calcium oxide reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide in a highly exothermic reaction that releases significant heat.

In practical applications, this balanced equation is fundamental to understanding how quicklime behaves in construction, agriculture, and industrial processes. The 1:1:1 molar ratio means that 56 grams of CaO will react with 18 grams of water to produce 74 grams of calcium hydroxide. No coefficients need to be added because the reaction naturally proceeds with these stoichiometric proportions, making it one of the simpler combination reactions to balance in chemistry.

General · Class 12