Solubility Quiz

Select the insoluble carbonates.

• ammonium carbonate

• calcium carbonate

• magnesium carbonate

• potassium carbonate

• sodium carbonate

Answer explanation

According to the carbonate solubility rule (All carbonates are insoluble except those of sodium, potassium and ammonium), only sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and ammonium carbonate are soluble. Hence, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are insoluble in water.

Select the soluble chlorides.

• calcium chloride

• lead(II) chloride

• magnesium chloride

• silver chloride

• zinc chloride

Answer explanation

According to the chloride solubility rule (All chlorides are soluble except those of lead and silver), lead(II) chloride and silver chloride are insoluble, leaving the other three as soluble chlorides.

Select the soluble nitrates.

• ammonium nitrate

• barium nitrate

• copper(II) nitrate

• lithium nitrate

• silver nitrate

Answer explanation

You should not get this wrong. All nitrates are soluble in water.

Select the insoluble bases.

• sodium hydroxide

• calcium oxide

• magnesium oxide

• ammonium hydroxide

• iron(II) hydroxide

Answer explanation

An insoluble base is a metal hydroxide / metal oxide that does not dissolve in water. Refer to the rules of oxides and hydroxides, only SPCA hydroxides and SPA oxides are soluble. Hence, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and iron(II) hydroxide are insoluble bases.

Select the insoluble sulfates.

• barium sulfate

• calcium sulfate

• iron(III) sulfate

• lead(II) sulfate

• magnesium sulfate

Answer explanation

According to the sulfate solubility rule (All sulfates are soluble, except those of calcium, lead and barium), calcium sulfate, lead(II) sulfate and barium sulfate are insoluble in water.

Select the soluble salts

• lead(II) nitrate

• sulfuric acid

• sodium hydroxide

• potassium oxide

• barium chloride

Answer explanation

All of the options are soluble in water. However, sulfuric acid is an acid, sodium hydroxide is an alkali, potassium oxide is a soluble base, leaving lead (II) nitrate (derived from nitric acid) and barium chloride (derived from hydrochloric acid) as salts.

Select the solubility rule that is correct.

• All nitrates are insoluble.

• All chlorides are soluble except those of calcium, lead and barium.

• All carbonates are insoluble except those of sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium.

• All hydroxides are insoluble except those of sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium.

• All sulfates are soluble except those of lead and silver.

Answer explanation

Read the options carefully. Do ensure that you memorize the correct rules for the solubility rules table quiz.

Bonus Question:

In life, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

In Chemistry, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the _________________.

Answer explanation

All nitrates are

• Soluble

• Soluble except that of silver and lead

• Soluble except that of calcium, lead and barium

• Insoluble except that of sodium, potassium and ammonium

• Insoluble except that of sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium

All chlorides are

• Soluble

• Soluble except that of silver and lead

• Soluble except that of calcium, lead and barium

• Insoluble except that of sodium, potassium and ammonium

• Insoluble except that of sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium