Although there are many ions in seawater, the overall charges of the dissolved cations and anions must maintain charge neutrality. Consider only the six most abundant ions in seawater, as listed in Table 18.5 \(\left(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}, \mathrm{Na}^{+}\right., \mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, and \left.\mathrm{K}^{+}\right)\), calculate the total charge in Coulombs of the cations in 1.0 L of seawater. Calculate the total charge in Coulombs of the anions in 1.0 L of seawater. To how many significant figures are the two numbers equal?
Text Transcription:
(Cl−, Na+, SO4 2−, Mg2+, Ca2+, and K+)
Step 1 of 5) The cathode is generally the area having the largest supply of O2, rust often deposits there. If you look closely at a shovel after it has stood outside in the moist air with wet dirt adhered to its blade, you may notice that pitting has occurred under the dirt but that rust has formed elsewhere, where O2 is more readily available. The enhanced corrosion caused by the presence of salts is usually evident on autos in areas where roads are heavily salted during winter. Like a salt bridge in a voltaic cell, the ions of the salt provide the electrolyte necessary to complete the electrical circuit. Objects made of iron are often covered with a coat of paint or another metal to protect against corrosion. Covering the surface with paint prevents oxygen and water from reaching the iron surface. If the coating is broken, however, and the iron is exposed to oxygen and water, corrosion begins as the iron is oxidized.
