Toward an understanding of rates of crystal nucleation from solution with a variable driving force
'Number-time' data obtained during studies on the nucleation from aqueous solution of CaSO4•2H2O (gypsum) using the droplet technique and a variable driving force are reported. Sulfate ion was generated, in situ, by the reaction between S2O82− and S2O32− in the presence of Ca2+. The rate of the reaction was determined from polarographic data. The stoichiometry and solubility of the precipitate in the aqueous matrix were determined.Problems which arise during analysis of 'number-time' data obtained from droplet experiments with a large spread in individual droplet volumes and a variable driving force using techniques suggested in the literature are commented upon. A new technique was developed and applied to the analysis of our data. The effects of a non-steady state rate of nucleation, variable lag times and a decreasing cation: anion ratio on the derived results are discussed.