1. Equilibrium Equilibrium Constant, K (or K eq ) describes conditions AT equilibrium

2. Equilibrium/ Reversibility Anything at equilibrium is theoretically undergoing forward and reverse reactions: A + B ↔ C –A + B  C AND C  A +B Equilibrium has 2 criteria: –Reaction does not appreciably change in time –Perturbation of that equilibrium will result in a return to the equilibrium

3. Assessing equilibrium Q  reaction quotient, aka Ion Activity Product (IAP) is calculated from knowing activity of all components of a reaction K  aka K eq, we get from thermodynamic data – it is one number defined AT EQUILIBRIUM Equilibrium for any reaction is when Q = K

4. log K eq CaCO 3(calcite) = Ca 2+ + CO 3 2- -8.48 CO 2(g) + H 2 O = H 2 CO 3 0 -1.47 H 2 CO 3 0 = H + + HCO 3 - -6.35 H + + CO 3 2- = HCO 3 - +10.33 CaCO 3(calcite) + CO 2(g) + H 2 O = Ca 2+ + 2 HCO 3 - -5.97 Equations can be ‘added’ together, equilibrium constants also get ‘added’ together! Convenient way to rewrite reactions (to look at more appropriate reactions or to use things you’ve more directly measured….)

5. Where do K’s come from? Measure directly – experimental determination of conditions at equilibrium Use thermodynamic data – K is directly related to free energy of reaction –  G R

6. Hydroxylapatite Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (OH) = OH - + 3 PO 4 3- + 5 Ca 2+ Log K = -59.0351 at 25ºC

7. Thermodynamics “the branch of science that deals with energy levels and the transfer of energy between systems and between different states of matter”

8. Thermodynamics Thermodynamics answers the following question: For any reaction - defined by a set of reactants and products set in exactly defined conditions (temperature, pressure, concentration, etc.)  will that reaction go forward spontaneously or not?? It can address ANY geochemical reaction, if thermo says NO, rest assured the reaction will not proceed, if thermo says yes, then we can progress to the next question  how fast?

9. What is Energy??? “It is important to realize that in physics today, we have no knowledge of what energy is. We do not have a picture that energy comes in little blobs of a definite amount. It is not that way.” –Richard Feynman HOWEVER  Feynman goes on to elaborate that energy has meaning as a way to define, and quantify, changes which bring about changes – between systems, energy levels, or states of matter – i.e. for any reaction “How seriously must we take the physical existence of this energy? No more and no less than any other bookkeeping practices.” –Richard Feynman