Possible to buy Dolomite in health stores, a source of magnesium and calcium minerals,
as a supplement.
Has been said that there might be aluminum, lead, arsenic and mercury traces in
dolomite.
Vertical columns of the periodic table represent the elements that tend to have similarities.
Salts (Ions):
These are charged species.
The number of protons determines the element. There is an equivalent number of electrons
that balance the charges in the nucleus when it is in a non-ionized or neutral state.
Anions: more electrons than protons
Cations: more protons than electrons
Sodium (Na):
-
11
th
element
11 electrons
-
very strong chemical reactivity
-
elemental sodium (not the one in our diet); sodium that has lost an electron
if you put elemental sodium in water, it usually catches fire as it reacts with it to deliver
sodium hydroxide or lye and elemental hydrogen, which can combust immediately.
Na + 2 H
2
O
NaOH + H
2
Ionic Bonding:
Connections taking place between various elements in many combinations.
Potassium (K):
Many similar properties to sodium.
Can combine with elemental bromine, which is a liquid and potassium is a solid. Together, they
have a powerful reaction to make potassium bromide a salt.
K+Br-:
crystalline solid with high melting point.
Salt = electrolyte (conduct electricity).
Experiments:
Freshly squeezed lemon juice poured into electrode and light bulb arrangement: lights up
-
enough material in lemon juice to ionize sufficiently to create the opportunity for
electricity to be created.
Vinegar poured into electrode arrangement: very weak light
-
acetic acid (vinegar) is very poorly ionized compared to citric acid.
Salt poured into electrode arrangement: small amount of salt lights up the lightbulb
-
salt is fully ionized sodium chloride
Soya sauce poured into the electrode arrangement: lights up strongly
V8 poured into arrangement: lights up
-
fair bit of salt in V8 drink
Na – 2e – 8e – 1e
Cl – 2e – 8e – 7e
Important for each of these to gain/lose an electron for stability.
Na will transfer its last e to Cl so:
Na – 2e – 8e
Cl – 2e – 8e – 8e
Stable octets.
Na is now positive and Cl negative.
-ide are salts and will conduct electricity in a proper fashion.
Summary of results:
-
V8: 156ml = 300 mg of sodium
-
Soy sauce: 15ml = 920 mg
-
Vinegar: 15ml = 5 mg
-
Lemon Juice: 5ml = 0 mg
Lesson 2: Minerals II
Too much salt can lead to hypertension.
Normal 120/80 systolic/diastolic
High >140/>90
Potassium (K+):
Potassium chloride is often recommended to people who might have some high levels of blood
pressure.
A lot of foods have significant amounts of potassium. (i.e. bananas, potatoes)
Potatoes have 50% more K than bananas per g.
K and Na have different sizes and these sizes are associated with how much water can
accumulate around the ions. The balance of electrolytes is important in the body in terms of
how they transport other materials. Electrolyte concentrations are an important feature. If your
body is working properly you should not need to adjust this in any special way.
Iodine (I-):
Ionic iodine. It is a solid. As you heat it, it does not melt; it sublimes.
