Nernst partition coefficient: equilibrium solid/liquid distribution of a trace element between a mineral and its coexisting melt (or mineral and its coexisting fluid). K_D = C_s / C_l is the distribution-coefficient definition; K_D > 1 →…
K_D = C_s / C_l; 2-phase mass-bal: C_l = X_tot/(F·K_D + 1−F)
Related concepts
- Nernst equation
- Chemical equilibrium
- R/R₀ = f^{α−1}: at f=1 ⇒ 1; at α=1 ⇒ 1 (no-fractionation limits)
- C_l = X_tot/(F·K_D + 1−F); at F=0 ⇒ X_tot; at F=1 ⇒ X_tot/K_D
- Goldschmidt framework: lithophile / siderophile / chalcophile / atmophile partitioning (silicate/metal/sulfide/gas affinity)
- Radon-Nikodym theorem
- Ocean zonation
- Mars habitability