Answer :
Final answer:
The solubility of limestone, composed mostly of calcium carbonate, is determined by its Ksp value, with a higher value indicating greater solubility. The calcium carbonate in limestone originates mainly from marine organisms like corals.
Explanation:
The solubility of limestone, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, can be complicated as it varies under different conditions. Its solubility is primarily determined by the Ksp value, a equilibrium constant which represents the product of the concentration of the ions in a saturated solution at a certain temperature.
The relationship between the solubility of limestone and the Ksp value is that a higher Ksp value indicates a higher solubility. When calcium carbonate dissolves in water, it creates an equilibrium with its ions, as can be seen in this equation: CaCO3(s) = Ca²+ (aq) + CO3−² (aq).
Acidic conditions have a significant impact on the solubility of limestone. The equilibrium constant (K) of the reaction that occurs in acidic solution is much greater than the Ksp for calcium carbonate, indicating a marked increase in solubility. This equation gives an illustration: CaCO3(s) + H3O+ (aq) = Ca²+ (aq) + HCO3¯ (aq) + H₂O(1) K = Ksp / Ka2 = 180. This phenomenon explains the detrimental effects suffered by coral reefs due to rising carbon dioxide levels in the ocean waters.
The majority of the calcium carbonate in limestone is from marine organisms such as corals, which excrete calcium carbonate for their skeletons.
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