4. Equilibrium Properties of Aqueous Systems

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define mass concentration.

   Hint

   Think about how we measure concentrations.

2. 2.

   What does K represent in chemical partitioning?

   Hint

   What do we calculate when we look at different phases?

3. 3.

   What is Rho A1?

   • Concentration in water
   • Concentration in air
   • Concentration in soil

   Hint

   Refer back to the definitions we've discussed.

4. 4.

   True or False: Henry's constant relates the concentration of a gas in a liquid to its pressure above the liquid.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the gas-liquid equilibrium.

5. 5.

   A chemical is dissolved in water with a concentration of 100 mg/L. If the partition constant K for that chemical between water and air is 0.5, what would be the expected concentration in air (Rho A1)?

   Hint

   Use the partition constant formula relating Rho A1 and Rho A2.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how changing the organic content in soil might impact the concentration of an organic chemical, taking into account adsorption principles.

   Hint

   Consider the affinity of organic compounds to the organic matter in soil.