AUTHOREA
Log in Sign Up Browse Preprints

O4

  • •

    Marine shells use \(CO_{2}\) to make calcium carbonate

  • •

    Acts as a carbon store

    • –

      Dissolves slightly in pure water, but not in sea water

\begin{equation} CaCO_{3(s)}\rightleftharpoons Ca^{2+}_{(aq)}+CO_{3}^{2-}{}_{(aq)}\nonumber \\ \end{equation}
  • •

    Position of equilibrium is determined by solubility product, \(K_{sp}\)

\begin{equation} K_{sp}(CaCO_{3})=[Ca^{2+}_{(aq)}][CO_{3}^{2-}{}_{(aq)}\nonumber \\ \end{equation}
  • •

    If the calculated value of \(K_{sp}\) is greater than the actual, solid will precipitate out

  • •

    Will not precipitate if the calculated value is lower than the actual \(K_{sp}\)