Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Tremolite has the formula . The silicate part is a double chain. Find the number of oxygen atoms for each silicon atom, and the average number of corners that a tetrahedron shares. Then find the charge on one unit of the chain, and the total charge of the calcium and magnesium ions in one formula unit. Last, show that the charges add up to zero.
A tetrahedron that shares corners has oxygen atoms and the charge on each silicon. The charges of a mineral add up to zero. A silicone chain unit is . A zeolite exchanges its ions by charge: one Ca takes the place of two Na.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Oxygen for each silicon. .
Step 2. Shared corners. gives . Half of the tetrahedra share 2 corners and half share 3, as in a double chain.
Step 3. Charge of a unit. The charge for each silicon is and there are 4 silicons: .
Step 4. The metal ions. .
Step 5. Balance. Two units of SiO give , and two hydroxide ions give . The sum is .
Answer: , , and .
Check. The same count for a single unit: oxygens, for silicon, and for the charge.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…