Problem 102 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

Calculate the ratio of \(\left[\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\right]\) to \(\left[\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\right]\) in a lake in which the water is in equilibrium with deposits of both \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{FeCO}_{3}\). Assume that the water is slightly basic and that the hydrolysis of the carbonate ion can therefore be ignored.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The ratio of the concentrations of Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions in the lake is approximately 101.5:1.

Step 1: Write the chemical equilibrium equations

The chemical equilibrium equations for the dissolution of CaCO₃ and FeCO₃ in water are as follows: \(CaCO_{3}(s) \rightleftharpoons Ca^{2+}(aq) + CO_{3}^{2-}(aq)\) \(FeCO_{3}(s) \rightleftharpoons Fe^{2+}(aq) + CO_{3}^{2-}(aq)\)

Step 2: Write the solubility product expressions

The solubility product expressions (Ksp) for the above equilibrium equations would be: \(K_{sp(CaCO_{3})} = [Ca^{2+}][CO_{3}^{2-}]\) \(K_{sp(FeCO_{3})} = [Fe^{2+}][CO_{3}^{2-}]\)

Step 3: Obtain the solubility product constants

The solubility product constants (Ksp) for CaCO₃ and FeCO₃ can be found in a reference book or table. For this problem, let's assume the following Ksp values: \(K_{sp(CaCO_{3})} = 3.36 \times 10^{-9}\) \(K_{sp(FeCO_{3})} = 3.31 \times 10^{-11}\)

Step 4: Express both concentrations in terms of a common variable

Let's express the concentrations of both Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ in terms of the concentration of the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). Using the solubility product expressions from Step 2, we can write: \([Ca^{2+}] = \frac{K_{sp(CaCO_{3})}}{[CO_{3}^{2-}]}\) \([Fe^{2+}] = \frac{K_{sp(FeCO_{3})}}{[CO_{3}^{2-}]}\)

Step 5: Calculate the ratio of the concentrations

Now we will find the ratio of the concentrations of Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions: \(\frac{[Ca^{2+}]}{[Fe^{2+}]} = \frac{\frac{K_{sp(CaCO_{3})}}{[CO_{3}^{2-}]}}{\frac{K_{sp(FeCO_{3})}}{[CO_{3}^{2-}]}} = \frac{K_{sp(CaCO_{3})}}{K_{sp(FeCO_{3})}}\) Using the Ksp values obtained in Step 3, we can calculate the ratio: \(\frac{[Ca^{2+}]}{[Fe^{2+}]} = \frac{3.36 \times 10^{-9}}{3.31 \times 10^{-11}} = 101.5\) Therefore, the ratio of the concentrations of Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions in the lake is approximately 101.5:1.

Key Concepts

Equilibrium Equations

In chemistry, equilibrium equations are fundamental when analyzing solubility in a solution. These equations represent the state where the forward and reverse processes, such as dissolution and precipitation, are balanced. For instance, the equilibrium equations for calcium carbonate (\(CaCO_3\)) and iron carbonate (\(FeCO_3\)) sharing the same aqueous environment reveal how each compound dissociates into its constituent ions.
The relevant equations are:

• \(CaCO_3(s) \rightleftharpoons Ca^{2+}(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq)\)
• \(FeCO_3(s) \rightleftharpoons Fe^{2+}(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq)\)

These expressions highlight the ions' distribution in the liquid phase and are essential for predicting the behavior of solutions in various chemical reactions. Each side of the equilibrium depicts a balanced process, demonstrating the continuous interchange between solid and dissolved ions.
Understanding these reactions' equilibrium allows us to predict how changes in conditions, like concentration or temperature, may affect the solubility of each compound in the mixture. This balance is crucial for many natural processes, such as the formation of sedimentary rock layers or the buffering capacity of natural bodies of water.

Solubility Product Constant

The solubility product constant, often denoted as \(K_{sp}\), is an essential parameter in understanding how concentrated a solution can become before precipitating a solid. It specifically applies to sparingly soluble ionic compounds and is derived from the equilibrium expression of the solute.
For each equilibrium equation, the \(K_{sp}\) relates to the concentrations of the dissolved ions. For instance, looking at calcium and iron carbonates, the expressions are:

• \(K_{sp(CaCO_3)} = [Ca^{2+}][CO_3^{2-}]\)
• \(K_{sp(FeCO_3)} = [Fe^{2+}][CO_3^{2-}]\)

The values of \(K_{sp}\) can provide insight into how much of each salt can dissolve at equilibrium. These constants are determined experimentally and can vary with temperature. In our example, higher \(K_{sp}\) values signify a greater solubility.
This concept helps chemists understand and calculate concentrations seen in various natural and synthetic environments. By comparing solubility product constants, we can predict which compounds are more likely to precipitate under given conditions, leading us to analyze interactions and transformations effectively.

Concentration Ratio

The concentration ratio of ions in a solution is a critical factor in determining relative solubility and potential precipitation reactions. It is especially useful for deducing relative abundance or scarcity when two or more ionic solids share a common ion.
For the given problem, the concentration ratio of \([Ca^{2+}]\) to \([Fe^{2+}]\) is calculated using their respective \(K_{sp}\) values against the carbonate ion, \([CO_3^{2-}]\). By expressing each concentration in terms of the carbonate ion and simplifying, we find:

• \(\frac{[Ca^{2+}]}{[Fe^{2+}]} = \frac{K_{sp(CaCO_3)}}{K_{sp(FeCO_3)}}\)

Given that the solubility product constants were:

• \(K_{sp(CaCO_3)} = 3.36 \times 10^{-9}\)
• \(K_{sp(FeCO_3)} = 3.31 \times 10^{-11}\)

The calculated ratio indicates \(101.5:1\), meaning calcium is significantly more soluble under these conditions.
This concentration ratio helps in predicting scaling tendencies, potential mineral deposits, and biologically critical processes in natural waters. By understanding how to calculate and interpret this ratio, one gains insights into underlying chemical equilibria and their implications in various fields like geochemistry and environmental sciences.