Why the answer is D, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
When carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas is bubbled through lime water (a clear solution of calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂), a chemical reaction occurs:
**CO₂ + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O**
The product, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), is **insoluble** — it forms tiny white particles suspended in the water, making it appear milky or cloudy. This is a classic test for CO₂ in the lab. Think of it like chalk dust in water!
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **Oxygen** is what we breathe and supports burning, but it's chemically unreactive with lime water.
- **Nitrogen** makes up 78% of air but is extremely inert — it won't react with lime water at all.
- **Hydrogen** burns with a "pop" sound (that's its test!), but doesn't interact with lime water either.
These gases might sound scientific, but only CO₂ produces that telltale milky precipitate.
**Quick takeaway**
Carbon dioxide turns lime water milky because it forms insoluble calcium carbonate — this is THE definitive test for CO₂ you'll see in WAEC/JAMB practicals!
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