Carbonic equilibrium, definition balancing

The concept of a reversible chemical reaction may be illustrated by the decomposition of calcium carbonate, which when heated forms calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas. At equilibrium, this system exerts a definite decomposition pressure of C02 for a given temperature. When the pressure falls below this value, CaCOj decomposes. Assume now that a cylinder is fitted with a frictionless piston and contains CaC03, CaO, and C02 in equilibrium. It is immersed in a constant-temperature bath, as shown in Fig. 2.5, with the temperature adjusted to a value such that the decomposition pressure is just sufficient to balance the weight on the piston. The system is in mechanical equilibrium, the temperature of the system is equal to that of the bath, and the chemical reaction is held in balance by the pressure of the COj. Any change of conditions, however slight,... 

Alkalinity is an important parameter in assessing the elfects of environmental change on aqueous systems (see Section 3.3.4.1). It is also important to understand that, by definition, alkalinity (Equation (3.61)) is independent of addition or removal of CO2 (or H2CO3) from the system (c/ Equation (3.62) - H2CO3 does not appear in the charge balance expression). This can be very useful in the determination of the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon species in aqueous systems that are in equilibrium with an atmosphere containing C02(g) (Example 3.7). 

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