Practice question · Sort into groups
Sort each condition by what happens to a sparingly soluble salt in the solution.
Groups: Precipitate forms · Solid dissolves · System already at equilibrium
- Ion product less than the solubility product
- A common ion is added to a saturated solution
- Ion product greater than the solubility product
- Ion product equal to the solubility product
Hints
- The ion product always moves toward the solubility product.
- Adding a common ion pushes the ion product above the constant.
Show the answer
Precipitate forms: Ion product greater than the solubility product, A common ion is added to a saturated solution
Solid dissolves: Ion product less than the solubility product
System already at equilibrium: Ion product equal to the solubility product
Why
The comparison of with decides everything: above it the solution is supersaturated and solid appears, below it any solid dissolves, and equality is saturation. Adding a common ion raises and forces precipitation.
Practise Solubility Equilibria
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