Lab 2: Chemical Reactions and minerals

Question 1

Steps to approaching geochemical problem

Answer 1

1. Draw a picture of the problem and restate the problem in your own words. Define goal of problem
2. make a list of knowns and unknowns; determine if its an equilibrium or kinetics problem
3. write up possible chemical reactions that can be used to generate equations that can be used to calculate the values of the unknowns
4. ask if you can use mass balance, or charge balance
5. write up possible rate and/or transport equations that may be used to generate the solution to the problem
6. solve the problem and find the solution

Question 2

General rules for balancing aqueous reactions (with no CO2)

Answer 2

1. all Al into Al2Si2O5(OH)4
2. Excess Si into H2SiO4
3. Alkalies and alkaline earths into dissolved cations
4. balance Al, Si and soluble cations
5. balance oxygens with water
6. balance hydrogens by adding H+
7. Charge and mass must be balanced