The fuming of kettles is caused by the presence in the water of
Answer Details
The fuming of kettles is caused by the presence of calcium hydrogentrionocarbonate (IV) in the water. When hard water containing dissolved calcium hydrogen carbonate is boiled in a kettle or other container, the heat causes the decomposition of the compound, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which is what causes the fuming. The chemical reaction can be represented by the equation:
Ca(HCO3)2 -> CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O
The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that is produced is what forms the white, crusty buildup often seen on the inside of kettles and other containers that have been used to boil hard water.