GCSE CHEMISTRY - The Manufacture and Uses of Cement, Concrete, Mortar and Glass

Rock Products and Uses - Limestone.

The Manufacture and Uses
of Cement, Mortar, Concrete and Glass.

How is Cement Made and Used?

Powdered limestone is mixed with powdered powdered clay
and heated in a rotary kiln to produce cement. Cement is a
fine gray powder which is used to make mortar and concrete.

How is Mortar Made and Used?

Mortar is made by mixing cement (see above) with lime,
sand and water. Mortar is used in between bricks or
stones for building walls, or as a covering surface for walls.

How is Concrete Made and Used?

Concrete is made by mixing cement (see above) with
sand, water and rock pieces.
The rock pieces (called aggregate) may be of various sizes.

Concrete sets like stone, and is widely used as a
building material. Concrete can be reinforced
with steel rods or cables, making the material stronger.

How is Glass Made?

Glass is made by heating together a mixture of
limestone, sand and sodium carbonate.
A chemical reaction happens to produce glass
which is a mixture of calcium silicate and sodium silicate.

Links Uses of Limestone Revision Questions

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