Module 7 - Aqueous Geochemistry 2

Question 1

Activity Coefficient

Answer 1

• Depends on concentration of all ions and charge in the solution (Ionic strength), Charge of ion, Diameter of ion
• Tends to increase as concentrations decrease
• between 0 and 1

Question 2

Carbonate-CO2 System

Answer 2

• CO2 trapped heat in the atmosphere strongly influences planetary climate
• Without CO2, Earth’s atmosphere is very cold
• CO2 is carbon source to build organic matter
• CO2 controls pH of oceans

Question 3

Alkalinity

Answer 3

• Ability of a water system to neutralize acid
• Higher alkalinity = higher tolerance to acid rain
• Alkalinity controlled by carbonates in most natural systems