3.2. Mass Balance Components

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is mass balance?

   Hint

   Think about conservation of mass.

2. 2.

   Define partitioning.

   Hint

   Consider how a chemical might divide itself between water and soil.

3. 3.

   What does mass balance account for in a system?

   • Inputs only
   • Outputs only
   • Both Inputs and Outputs

   Hint

   Think about the flow of materials.

4. 4.

   True or False: Partitioning refers to how a chemical divides itself between different phases.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall what happens when a chemical is introduced into a mixture.

5. 5.

   A chemical with a partition coefficient of 10 partitions into a system containing 1000 L of water and 500 kg of soil. If the total mass of the chemical added is 200 kg, determine the concentration of the chemical in both water and soil at equilibrium.

   Hint

   Refer to the partitioning equation for determining chemical distribution.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the significance of moisture content definitions when calculating mass balance in systems with high variations in wet and dry soil components.

   Hint

   Consider specific scenarios where moisture content would affect your measurements.