An aqueos solution of ##M^+X^-## from Kubo's problems book

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter MathematicalPhysicist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Book
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a problem from Kubo's textbook regarding the equilibrium concentrations of ions in two rooms separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The key equations derived include the conditions for electrical neutrality and conservation laws for the ions, leading to the final expressions for the concentrations of ##M^+## and ##X^-## ions in both rooms. A participant expresses confusion about the derivation of ##x_2^0##, suggesting a potential error in the conservation equations. The consensus indicates that the volumes of the chambers must be equal for the equations to hold true.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Donnan's membrane equilibrium
  • Familiarity with ideal dilute solutions
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic principles related to electrical neutrality
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations in the context of chemical equilibria
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Donnan equilibrium in detail
  • Learn about the implications of electrical neutrality in chemical systems
  • Explore the concept of ideal dilute solutions and their properties
  • Review conservation laws in chemical reactions and equilibria
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in chemistry, particularly those focused on thermodynamics and electrochemistry, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to ion distribution in semi-permeable systems.

MathematicalPhysicist
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,662
Reaction score
372
My following question is from Kubo's textbook on Thermodynamics advanced problems.

I'll quote both the question and its solution in the book, and after that I'll ask my questions regarding the solution offered in the book.

Question 40:
An aqueous solution of ##M^+X^-## of concentration ##x_1^0## is poured into room I, and another solution ##M^+R^-## of concentration ##x_2^0## into the other room II, which is separated from the room I by a semi-permeable membrane permeable for ##M^+## ions and ##X^-## ions but not for ##R^-## ions.
What are the concentrations of ##M^+X^-## in room I and II, ##x_1'## and ##x_1''##, when the equilibrium (Donnan's membrane equilibrium) is reached by diffusion of ##M^+## and ##X^-## ions through the membrane?
For the sake of simplicity, assume that the solutions are very dilute, and may be regarded as ideal dilute solutions. [Hint: the solution must always be electrically neutral.]

The solution offered in the book:
According to the condition of electrical neutrality,
$$(1a)\ \ \ \ \ \ x'_{M^+}=x'_{X^-}$$
$$(1b) \ \ \ \ \ x''_{M^+}=x''_{X^-}+x_2^0 , $$

although ##M^+## and ##X^-## are exchanged between I and II.
Also the conservation laws for ##M^+## and ##X^-## require the equations:
$$(2) \ \ \ \ \ x'_{M^+}+x''_{M^+}=x_1^0 , \ \ x'_{X^-}+x''_{X^-}=x_1^0$$
On the other hand, the equilibrium condition is:
$$(3)\ \ \ \ \ \bar{G}_{M^+X^-(I)}=\bar{G}_{M^+X^-(II)}.$$
If an ideal dilute solution is assumed, the latter condition becomes:
$$(4)\ \ \ \ \ RT\log(x'_{M^+}x'_{X^-})=RT\log(x''_{M^+}x''_{X^-}),$$
or $$x'_{M^+}x'_{X^-}=x''_{M^+}x''_{X^-},$$
where equations (4.33) have been used (##\phi^0_{M^+}## and ##\phi_{X^-}^0## are the same for I and II).
Substituting equations (1a), (1b) and (2), we obtain ##(x_{X^-})^2=(x_1^0-x_{X^-}'')^2=(x_{X^-}''+x_2^0)x_{X^-}''##, and hence:
$$x_{X^-}''=\frac{(x_1^0)^2}{2x_1^0+x_2^0}$$
In the same way,
$$x_{X^-}' = \frac{x_1^0(x_1^0+x_2^0)}{2x_1^0+x_2^0}$$
or
$$x'_{X^-}/x''_{X^-}=1+x_2^0/x_1^0$$
This means that ##M^+ X^-## itself is distributed between I and II in the ratio ##x_1^0+x_2^0:x_1^0##

Now, the derivations are ok but I seem to be getting that: ##x_2^0##.
From ##(1a)-(1b),(2)## I get the following:
$$x_1^0-x_{X^-}''=x_{X^-}'=x'_{M^+}=x^0_1-x''_{M^+}=x_1^0-x''_{X^-}-x_2^0$$
from which follows that ##x_2^0=0##.

Have I done something wrong here?I don't think so...
I am confused can anyone explain this to me?

Thanks.
 
Science news on Phys.org
There is a mistake in (2). x'X- + x''X- = x10, but x'M+ + x''M+ = x10 + x20
All this of course assumes that the volumes of the two chambers (we wouldn't usually say "rooms", are you translating?) are equal, which is not stated.
 
I am not translating, Iv'e copied from I assume a translated copy of Kubo's textbook.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K