Equilibrium, Charge Balance, Mass Balance

[whatlifeforme]

Homework Statement

Write the charge balance for a solution containing H(+), OH(-), Ca^(2+). HCO3(-). CO3^(2-) , Ca(HCO3)+, Ca(OH)+, K+, and CIO4(-).

Homework Equations

Also, I am having a trouble understanding the concepts of mass balance and charge balance.

The Attempt at a Solution

The only thing I know to do is put the positive charges on one side and the negatives on the other, and then change the coefficients.

 

[janhaa]

you need a balanced chemical reaction equation

 

[Borek]

The only thing I know to do is put the positive charges on one side and the negatives on the other, and then change the coefficients.

Do it then.

Charge balance means just that the solution is electrically neutral - sum of all negative charges equals sum of all positive charges.

 

[Borek]

you need a balanced chemical reaction equation

No. Reaction equation can help in writing mass balance, but even that is not required.

 

[DeeNos]

Hi there,

Equilibrium refers to a state in which opposing forces or processes are balanced, resulting in a stable system. In the context of chemical reactions, equilibrium is achieved when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction.

Charge balance refers to the principle that in any chemical reaction or solution, the total amount of positive charge must equal the total amount of negative charge. This is because atoms and molecules are electrically neutral, meaning they have an equal number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).

Mass balance, on the other hand, refers to the principle that in any chemical reaction or solution, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Now, let's take a look at the charge balance for the solution containing H(+), OH(-), Ca^(2+), HCO3(-), CO3^(2-), Ca(HCO3)+, Ca(OH)+, K+, and CIO4(-):

H(+): 1+
OH(-): 1-
Ca^(2+): 2+
HCO3(-): 1-
CO3^(2-): 2-
Ca(HCO3)+: 1+
Ca(OH)+: 1+
K+: 1+
CIO4(-): 1-

Total positive charge: 6+
Total negative charge: 6-

As you can see, the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, satisfying the principle of charge balance.

I hope this helps to clarify the concepts of equilibrium, charge balance, and mass balance for you. If you continue to have trouble understanding them, I suggest seeking further clarification from your teacher or professor. Best of luck with your homework!