Aqueous soultion of soda lime is

Options

A. Acidic
B. Alkaline
C. Neutral
D. Initially acidic changes to alkaline after some time

Answer

To determine the nature of an aqueous solution of soda lime, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understanding Soda Lime
Soda lime is a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO). It is commonly used in various applications, including as a drying agent and in chemical reactions to absorb carbon dioxide.

### Step 2: Composition of Soda Lime
Soda lime consists mainly of:
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) - a strong base
- Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) - also a strong base

### Step 3: Dissolution in Water
When soda lime is dissolved in water, both sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide dissociate into their respective ions:
- NaOH → Na⁺ + OH⁻
- Ca(OH)₂ → Ca²⁺ + 2OH⁻

### Step 4: Nature of the Solution
The presence of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from both NaOH and Ca(OH)₂ indicates that the solution will be basic (alkaline).

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the aqueous solution of soda lime is alkaline in nature.

### Final Answer
The aqueous solution of soda lime is alkaline.

---