Equilibrium pressure of calcium carbonate

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the equilibrium pressure of calcium carbonate's crystalline forms, calcite and aragonite, at 25°C. Participants explore the relationship between thermodynamic properties and the equilibrium condition, involving concepts from chemistry and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation attempt involving the molar volumes of calcite and aragonite, using the Gibbs free energy equation and activity expressions to derive a pressure value.
  • Another participant advises on the importance of consistent unit systems (CGS vs. MKS) and warns against mixing them without familiarity.
  • A different participant questions the validity of using energy per unit volume for pressure, referencing the relationship between joules and atmospheres.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the conversion of units, particularly concerning the given ΔG value in kJ/mol and its implications for calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on unit consistency and the appropriateness of using energy per unit volume for pressure calculations. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct approach to unit conversion or the calculation method.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in unit conversions and the need for clarity on definitions, particularly regarding pressure and energy units. The discussion reflects ongoing uncertainties in the calculations presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners in chemistry and physics, particularly those dealing with thermodynamics and equilibrium concepts in crystalline materials.

cheme2019
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Calcium carbonate primarily occurs as two crystalline forms, calcite and aragonite. The value of∆!° for the transition
CaCO3(calcite) ⇌ CaCO3(aragonite)
is +1.04 kJ·mol-1 at 25°C. At that temperature the density for calcite is 2.710 g·cm-3, and that of aragonite is 2.930 g·cm-3. At what pressure will the two crystalline phases be at equilibrium at 25°C?

Homework Equations


ln(ai)= ((molar V)/RT) * (P-1)
ΔG = -RT * ln(Kp
Kp = aaragonite/acalcite

The Attempt at a Solution


So I started by finding the molar volume of each by dividing the MW by the individual density and got
Vara = 34.157 cm^3/mol and
Vcal = 36.930 cm^3/ mol
From here I used the activity equation to get that

ai = e^(((molar V)/RT) * (P-1)))

And since

Kp = aaragonite/acalcite and
ΔG = -RT * ln(Kp

I can write that

ΔG = -RT * ln(aaragonite/acalcite)

This leads to

ΔG = -RT * (((molar Vara/RT) * (P-1) - ((molar Vcal/RT)*(P-1))
Or
ΔG = - molar Vara*(P-1)+(molar Vcal*(P-1))

Continuing
1040 J/mol =(-34.157 cm^3/mol ) * P + 34.157 cm^3/mol +(36.930 cm^3/mol) * P - 39.630 cm^3/mol

Solving for P I get 376 J/cm^3.
I am given that the answer is 3850.9 but no units and I wasn't able to convert my units to get that number...
I'm pretty sure my math is correct but I think I messed up on units somewhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Step one: pick CGS or MKS; do not attempt to mix them when you're not comfortable with either; i.e., densities are expressed as kg/m3 in MKS, and as g/cm3 in CGS; pressures in force per unit area, not energy per unit volume ...
 
But can't you use energy per unit volume for pressure? Similar to how atm is J/L. Plus I'm only given ΔG in kJ/mol and I don't know how to convert that into CGS
 
Atm is not J/L; 1 J/L = 1000 Pa; 1 atm = 101325 Pa
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K