Front

What is the solubility product constant (Ksp)?

Back

Ksp is the equilibrium constant for a solid substance dissolving in an aqueous solution, representing the product of the molar concentrations of the ions, each raised to the power of their coefficients in the balanced equation.

Front

What does it mean if Qsp > Ksp?

Back

If Qsp (the reaction quotient) is greater than Ksp, it indicates that the solution is supersaturated, and a precipitate will form.

Front

What does it mean if Qsp < Ksp?

Back

If Qsp is less than Ksp, the solution is unsaturated, and no precipitate will form.

Front

Define a common ion in the context of solubility.

Back

A common ion is an ion that is present in a solution and is also a part of the ionic compound that is dissolving, which can affect the solubility of that compound.

Front

How does the presence of a common ion affect solubility?

Back

The presence of a common ion decreases the solubility of a sparingly soluble salt due to the common ion effect, shifting the equilibrium to the left.

Front

What is the molar solubility of a salt?

Back

Molar solubility is the number of moles of solute that can dissolve in a liter of solution at equilibrium.

Front

Calculate the molar solubility of PbF2 in pure water given Ksp = 4 x 10^-8.

Back

Let the molar solubility be 's'. Ksp = [Pb^2+][2F^-]^2 = s(2s)^2 = 4s^3. Solving gives s = 1.6 x 10^-7 M.

Front

What happens when AgNO3 is added to a saturated AgCl solution?

Back

Adding AgNO3 increases the concentration of Ag^+ ions, shifting the equilibrium to produce more solid AgCl.

Front

What is the relationship between Ksp and temperature?

Back

Ksp values generally change with temperature; for most salts, solubility increases with temperature, leading to higher Ksp values.

Front

Define the term 'saturated solution'.

Back

A saturated solution is one in which the maximum amount of solute has dissolved at a given temperature, and any additional solute will remain undissolved.