Geochemical Carbonates Laboratory

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Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Carbonates 3/31/2014 Experimentally it was determined that with the presence of magnesium in solution, aragonite readily transforms to calcite. By analyzing the data collected by Group 7 (Friday Lab 2) it can be concluded that the presence of magnesium acts as an inhibitor for the aragonite – magnesium transformation. 1.0 Introduction The objective of this lab is to practically apply knowledge of thermodynamics and kinetics. A stronger understand of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements will also be gained. Laboratory 2/3 will follow the rate at which aragonite transforms to calcite. The effect of magnesium will be determined throughout the reaction in which aragonite turns to calcite. From a comprehensive analysis of the data collected, it will be determined if magnesium does, in fact, act as an inhibitor throughout this process. 2.0 Methods 1M CaCl2 and 0.1M Na2CO3 were prepared and measured by the teaching assistants prior to the lab. The premeasured solutions were then placed on hotplates bringing them up to their desired temperature. Samples at approximately 25ᵒC, 50ᵒC and 70ᵒC were prepared. The first sample prepared by group 7 involved adding 10mL of 1M CaCl2 to 100mL of 0.1M Na2CO3 at a temperature of 70ᵒC. The next procedure was adding 10mL of 1M CaCl2 to 100 mL of 0.1M Na2CO3 at a temperature of 50ᵒC. The last sample prepared was at 25ᵒC. When mixing the solutions, the CaCl2 was slowly added to the NaCO3 at a rate of approximately 10mL/minute. The beaker was also simultaneously stirred as the CaCl2 was poured in. Once combined, a thermometer was used to measure and record the temperature. The mixture was then allowed to sit at temperature for 5 minutes. A carbonate powder which precipitated from solution was then filtered for all three samples. The paper was set aside and allowed to fully dry. Once dry, an adequate

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