Complete the following sentence: Lime is used to neutralise flue gases such as sulfur dioxide. This is possible because lime is a ______ ; Your answer here;.

Lime is used to neutralise flue gases such as sulfur dioxide. This is possible because lime is a base.

In chemistry, a base is a substance that can accept hydrogen ions (protons) or donate electron pairs. Lime, primarily calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), can react with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to produce calcium sulfite (CaSO₃), thereby helping to reduce the acidity of flue gases. This neutralization process is crucial in mitigating environmental pollution caused by sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial processes. By acting as a base, lime effectively counteracts the acidic properties of sulfur dioxide, helping to purify exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.