The negative charges associated with smectite clay crystals are due mostly to _____.
A)isomorphous substitution of Mg for Al in the octahedral sheet
B)substitution of Al for Mg in the tetrahedral sheet
C)high pH associated with the formation of the mineral
D)substitution of Si for Al in the tetrahedral sheet
E)OH groups on the external surface of the crystal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The negative charges in smectite clay are primarily due to isomorphous substitution, where Mg substitutes for Al in the octahedral sheet, creating a charge imbalance.

The Negative Charges Associated with Smectite Clay Crystals Are Due