Colloids and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to colloids and cation exchange capacity, important for understanding soil science and its applications.

Colloids

Small soil particles with a large surface area that have charges, capable of attracting cations.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

The ability of soil to hold positively charged ions (cations) available for plant uptake.

Methylene Blue

A dye used in labs to demonstrate cation exchange capacity by staining soil particles.

Isomorphous Substitution

The process where one ion in a mineral structure is replaced by another of similar size and charge, leading to changes in charge.

pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, affecting the charge characteristics of soil.

Two to One Clay

Clay structure consisting of two tetrahedral sheets and one octahedral sheet.

One to One Clay

Clay structure composed of one tetrahedral sheet and one octahedral sheet, e.g., kaolinite.

Electronegativity

A measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons, indicating charge properties in clays.

Hydrogen Ions (H+)

Cations that determine the acidity of a solution; their concentration is crucial in pH affect on soil.

Cation Exchange

The process of exchanging cations on soil particles, essential for nutrient availability.