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so-crates
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Is there any reason for order the activity series of ions in aqueous solutions? For example, why is Calcium higher than sodium?
Why is the activity series of ions in aqueous solutions ordered?
In summary, the activity series of ions in aqueous solutions is based on a combination of factors including ionization energy, hydration energy, and quantum calculations. These factors determine the potential of each ion, with calcium having a higher potential than sodium due to its specific ionization and hydration energies. However, the ultimate answer to why calcium is higher than sodium is simply "Because that's a way it is" as is often the case in chemistry. The hydration energy is not related to hydrogen, but instead refers to the energy involved in the formation of ordered layers of water particles around each ion in the solution.
- #2
Borek
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so-crates said:
Long ago I have a discussion on a similar subject with one of my professors at Uni. It went like this (I was answering):
Q: Why is calcium higher than sodium?
A: When you take ionization energy and hydratation energy for both ions and you calculate potentials, calcium is higher then sodium.
Q: OK, but why is calcium higher than sodium?
A: Because when you take into account the results of the quantum cacluations you get such ionization and hydratation energy, that calculated potential for calcium is higher than potential for sodium.
Q: OK, but why is calcium higher than sodium?
A: Eeee... Because that's a way it is?
Q: OK, good. Let's move to another question.
Later I have learned that "Because that's a way it is" is the answer for most chemistry questions - you may look for reasons, but the final answer is always "Because that's a way it is"
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so-crates
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What would the hydration energy have anything to do with it? The ions aren't reacting with hydrogen.
- #4
Borek
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so-crates said:
OK. its hydration, not hydratation, but it has nothing to with hydrogen. Every ion in the solution is surrounded by the water particles - the are dipoles so they are electrically attracted. Amount of energy involved when the water particles are forming ordered layers is called hydration energy.
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Related to Why is the activity series of ions in aqueous solutions ordered?
1. What is an activity series in water?
An activity series in water is a list of metals and their corresponding reactivity in aqueous solutions. It shows the order in which different metals will react with water, with the most reactive metal at the top and the least reactive metal at the bottom.
2. How is an activity series in water determined?
An activity series in water is determined through experiments where different metals are placed in water and their reaction is observed. The more reactive metals will react more vigorously, while less reactive metals may not react at all.
3. What is the purpose of an activity series in water?
The purpose of an activity series in water is to predict which metals will react with water and to what extent. This information is useful in understanding the reactivity of different metals and their potential uses in various chemical reactions.
4. How is an activity series in water different from an activity series in acids?
An activity series in water and an activity series in acids are similar in that they both show the reactivity of metals. However, an activity series in acids specifically shows the reactivity of metals in acidic solutions, while an activity series in water shows the reactivity in aqueous solutions in general.
5. Can an activity series in water change?
Yes, an activity series in water can change depending on factors such as temperature, concentration of the solution, and the presence of other substances. These factors can affect the reactivity of metals and therefore change their placement in the activity series.
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