Lecture 07: Acids and Bases (Chapter 2)

LECTURE OVERVIEW:
In this lecture, we explore the fundamental principles of acids and bases, focusing on their role in environmental systems. We review key concepts such as the dissociation of water and its relation to pH, as well as the distinction between strong and weak acids. The lecture introduces Bronsted and Lewis acids, and explains how acid strength is quantified using dissociation constants (Ka) and pKa values. We also introduce the alpha notation, a useful tool for describing species distribution in weak acid systems as a function of pH, which will be applied throughout future lectures.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the lecture, you will be able to:
• Understand the basics of acids and bases
• Quantitatively describe acid/base reactions
• Use alpha notation to describe the speciation as a function of pH

RELEVANT READINGS:
• Water Chemistry, 2nd Edition, by Mark M. Benjamin
5. Acids and Bases, Part 1
5.1. Introduction
5.2. The Dissociation of Water; Kw
5.3. The Structure of Acids and Bases
5.4. Strong and Weak Acids, Ka, and Conjugate Acid/Base Pairs
5.6. Combining Acidity Reactions and The Definition of Basicity
5.7. Acid/Base Speciation as A Function of pH; Diagrams of Log C Versus pH
• Environmental Chemistry, 10th Edition, by Stanley E. Manahan
2.7. Water Acidity and Carbon Dioxide in Water

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COURSE INFORMATION:
This video is part of the Environmental Chemistry course, designed and taught by Prof. Mim Rahimi. The course covers the following chapters: (1) Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry, (2) Acids and Bases and Related Phenomena, (3) Chemistry of Metals, and (4) Redox Chemistry in Environmental Systems.

COURSE REFERENCES:
The recommended textbooks for the course are:
• Main Reference: Water Chemistry, 2nd Edition, by Mark M. Benjamin, Waveland Press Inc., ISBN: 978-1478623083
• Additional Useful Reference: Environmental Chemistry, 10th Edition, by Stanley E. Manahan, CRC Press, ISBN: 978-1032339726