ESE 5001

Environmental Chemistry
Homework
Due: Feb 17, 2020

1. Derive equations for determination of half-life when the degradations of

compounds follow zero, 1st and 2nd kinetics (i.e. n = 0, 1 or 2). Assume the initial
concentration is C0.

2. Calculate the ionic strength of the following solutions:

1. 0.5 M NaCl
2. 0.05 M Na2SO4
1
Noted: Ionic strength (I) 
2
 c i  z i2

ci = concentration of ion (i), M

zi = charge of ion (i)

3. Calculate the pH of the following solutions.

a. 1.0x10-3 M HOCl (hypochlorous acid)
b. 5.5x10-3 M KOCl

4 Plot pC-pH diagram for a system that has 1.0x10-2 M HOCl

5. Use Newton-Raphson Approach to calculate pH values of (a) NaAc (Sodium

Acetate) of 5x10-4 M; (b) NH4Cl of 5x10-4 M.

6. Zn is added into Cu2+ solution. A redox reaction occurs. Write the overall
reaction and determine the ΔGo and ∆E, assuming that is at standard condition.

7. A solution contains 100 mg/L of CH3COOH. How much oxygen (mg/L) (called
theoretical oxygen demand) is needed to full oxidize the acetic acid ?

8. Calculate CO2, O2 and N2 concentration in water.