PSI AP Chemistry

Aqueous Equilibria part II –Solubility Product Name ____________________________

Practice Problems

Introduction to Solubility Equilibria

Classwork
1. Write the chemical reaction for and the Ksp expression for the equilibrium that exists in a
saturated solution of silver iodide.

2. Write the chemical reaction for and the Ksp expression for the equilibrium that exists in a
saturated solution of cadmium (II) carbonate.

3. Write the chemical reaction for and the expression for the solubility product constant, Ksp that
exists in a saturated solution of silver chromate?

Homework
4. What is the expression for the solubility product constant, Ksp, for iron (II) phosphate?

5. Write the Ksp expression for the equilibrium that exists in a saturated solution of iron (III)
hydroxide, Fe(OH)3.

6. Which of the following compounds is the least soluble?

Compound Ksp
MnCO3 1.8 x 10-11
CuS 6.3 x 10-36
CdS 8.0 x 10-27
PbS 8.0 x 10-28

A) MnCO3 B) CuS C) CdS D) PbS E) both CdS and PbS

Calculating Ksp from Solubility

Classwork
7. The solubility of silver chloride is 1.34 x 10-5 at 25oC. At this temperature, what is the Ksp of AgCl?
A) 3.7 x 10-3 B) 1.1 x 10-6 C) 1.8 x 10-9 D) 3.2 x 10-20 E) 1.8 x 10-10

8. The solubility of lead (II) chloride (PbCl2) is 1.6 x 10-2 at 25oC. At this temperature, what is the
Ksp of PbCl2?
A) 5.0 x 10-4 B) 4.1 x 10-6 C) 3.1 x 10-7 D) 1.6 x 10-5 E) 1.6 x 10-2

9. The solubility of silver sulfate is 2.2 x 10-5. What is the Ksp of silver sulfate?
A) 1.1 x 10-14 B) 4.3 x10-14 C) 2.1 x10-14 D) 4.8 x10-10 E) 2.2 x 10-5

10. What is the solubility product for AuCl3 if the molar solubility in a saturated solution
is 3.3 x 10-7?
A) 3.3 x 10-27 B) 1.2 x 10-26 C) 3.2 x 10-25 D) 3.3 x 10-13 E) 1.3 x 10-6

Homework
11. The solubility of CaSO4 in water is 0 .67 gram per liter of solution. Calculate the Ksp.

12. Calculate the Ksp of silver chromate, Ag2CrO4, if the solubility is 0.15 grams/L.

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13. Calculate the Ksp of lithium carbonate, Li2CO3, if the solubility is 0.15 mol/L.

14. Given the following table of Ksp values, determine which compound listed has the greatest
solubility.
Compound Ksp
CdCO3 5.2 x 10- 12
Cd(OH)2 2.5 x 10-14
AgI 8.3 x 10-17
Fe(OH)3 4.0 x 10-38
ZnCO3 1.4 x 10-11

A) CdCO3 B) Cd(OH)2 C) AgI D) Fe(OH)3 E) ZnCO3

Calculating Solubility from Ksp

Classwork
15. What is the solubility, in mol/L, of AgBr if the Ksp = 5.0 x 10-13?
A) 2.5 x 10-25 B) 1.0 x 10-12 C) 7.1 x 10-7 D) 7.1 x 10-6

16. Calculate the molar solubility of a saturated solution of lead (II) iodide, PbI 2 (Ksp is 1.4 x 10-8).
A) 1.5 x 10-3 B) 3.1 x 10-3 C) 4.2 x 10-4 D) 3.5 x 10-9 E) 1.4 x 10-8

17. Calculate the molar solubility of a saturated solution of Silver sulfide (K sp is 6 x 10-51).

18. Calculate the molar solubility of a saturated solution of aluminum chloride if the solubility
product constant of AlCl3 is 27 x 10-64.

Homework
19. What is the solubility, in mol/L, of BaCO3 if the Ksp = 5.0 x 10 -9?
A) 7.1 x 10-5 B) 3.1 x 10-3 C) 2.4 x 10-10 D) 7.1 x 10-6 E) 2.5 x 10-17

20. Calculate the molar solubility of a saturated solution of silver carbonate, Ag 2CO3 (Ksp is
8.1 x 10-12
A) 1.3 x 10-4 B) 2.8 x 10-6 C) 1.5 x 10-3 D) 4.8 x 10-6 E) 1.4 x 10-8

21. Calculate the molar solubility of a saturated solution of zinc hydroxide if the solubility product
constant of Zn(OH)2 is 3.0 x 10-16.

22. Calculate the molar solubility of a saturated solution of lanthanum fluoride, LaF 3 (Ksp is 2 x 10-19).

Factors Affecting Solubility: Common Ion Effect

Classwork
23. In which of the following aqueous solutions would you expect AgCl to
have the lowest solubility?

A) pure water B) 0.020 M BaCl2 C) 0.015 NaCl

D) 0.020 AgNO3 E) 0.020 KCl

24. In which of the following aqueous solutions would you expect AgCl to have the highest
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solubility?

A) pure water B) 0.020 M BaCl2 C) 0.015 M NaCl

D) 0.020 M AgNO3 E) 0.020 M KCl

25. In which of the following aqueous solutions would you expect AgBr to have the lowest
solubility?

A) pure water B) 0.20 M NaBr C) 0.10 M AgNO3

D) 0.15 M KBr E) 0.10 M LiBr

26. Calculate the maximum concentration in (M) of chloride ions (Cl -) in a solution that contains
0.100 M of Pb2+ if at 323 K the Ksp of PbCl2 is 1.0 x10-4.

A) 1.0 x10-4 B) 1.0 x10-3 C) 0.029 D) 0.032 E) 0.058

Homework
27. In which of the following aqueous solutions would you expect AgBr to have the highest
solubility?

A) 0.10 M LiBr B) 0.10 M AgNO3 C) 0.20 M NaBr

D) 0.15 M KBr E) pure water

28. In which of the following aqueous solutions would you expect PbCl 2 to have the lowest
solubility?

A) 0.020 M KCl B) 0.015 M BaCl2 C) 0.015 M PbNO3

D) pure water E) 0.015 M NaCl

29. Of the following substances, which one would decrease the solubility of CaCO 3 in a saturated
solution?

A) NaCl B) HCl C) HNO3 D) CaCl2 E) KNO3

30. Calculate the maximum concentration in (M) of silver ions (Ag+) in a solution that contains
0.025 M of CO32- .The Ksp of Ag2CO3 is 8.1 x10-12 .
A) 1.8 x10-5 B) 1.4 x10-6 C) 2.8 x10-6 D) 3.2 x10-10 E) 8.1 x10-12

Factors Affecting Solubility: Changes in pH

Classwork
31. What is the solubility (M) of Nickel (II) hydroxide? The K sp of Ni(OH)2 at 25oC is 6.0 x 10-16.
A) 8.4 x10-6 B) 1.22 x10-8 C) 5.3 x10-6 D) 7.1 x 10 -4 E) 1.5 x10-6

32. What is the solubility (M) of Ni(OH)2 in a solution buffered at pH = 10.0? The Ksp of Ni(OH)2 at
25oC is 6.0 x10-16.
A) 2.0 x10-3 B) 6.0 x10-8 C) 1.8 x10-4 D) 6.0 x10-12 E) 1.5 x10--16

33. What is the solubility (M) of Ni(OH)2 in a solution buffered at pH = 11.5? The Ksp of Ni(OH)2 at
25oC is 6.0 x10-16.
A) 6.0 x10-8 B) 1.1 x10-4 C) 1.9 x10-13 D) 6.0 x10-16 E) 5.9 x10-11

34. Which of the following compounds will be more soluble if the pH of a saturated solution is
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lowered?
A) AgCl B) AgI C) PbCl2 D) NaCl E) Cr(OH)3

Homework
35. What is the solubility (M) of calcium hydroxide? The K sp of Cu(OH)2 at 25oC is 4.8 x 10-20.
A) 1.9 x10-2 B) 1.2 x10-2 C) 2.5 x10-3 D) 5.9 x10-11 E) 1.6 x10-5

36. What is the solubility (M) of Cu(OH)2 in a solution buffered at pH = 9.5? The Ksp of Cu(OH)2 at
25oC is 4.8 x10-20.
A) 2.0 x10-3 B) 1.1 x10-4 C) 1.8 x10-4 D) 7.1 x10-4 E) 1.6 x10-5

37. What is the solubility (M) of Cu(OH)2 in a solution buffered at pH = 12.2? The Ksp of Cu(OH)2 at
25oC is 4.8 x10-20.
A) 2.0 x10-3 B) 1.1 x10-4 C) 1.8 x10-4 D) 7.1 x10-4 E) 1.6 x10-5

38. Which of the following compounds will not be more soluble if the pH of a saturated solution is
lowered?

A) Ag2S B) AgI C) NiCO3 D) BaC2O4 E) Cr(OH)3

Selective Precipitation: Precipitation Reactions

Classwork
39. If 0.1 M aqueous solutions of the following pairs of substances are combined, which pair will
yield a precipitate?
A) sodium sulfide & ammonium chloride
B) sodium sulfide & iron (III) chloride
C) sodium hydroxide & potassium nitrate
D) nickel (II) nitrate & magnesium chlorate
E) potassium chloride & aluminum nitrate

40. What is the formula of the precipitate formed when 0.1M aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and
potassium phosphate are mixed?
A) AgPO4 C) Ag3PO4 E) Ag3(PO4)3
B) Ag2PO4 D) Ag(PO4)3

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41. Will a silver iodate precipitate form when 100 mL of 0.010 M AgNO 3 is mixed with 10.0 mL
of 0.015 M NaIO3? (Ksp of AgIO3 is 3.1 x 10-8)

A) No, because Q < K

B) Yes, because Q < K
C) No, because Q > K
D) Yes, because Q > K
E) Not enough information

Homework
42. If 0.1 M aqueous solutions of the following pairs of substances are combined, which pair will
not yield a precipitate?
A) silver nitrate & ammonium chloride
B) potassium carbonate & iron (III) perchlorate
C) sodium fluoride & lead (II) nitrate
D) nickel (II) nitrate & magnesium perchlorate
E) potassium chloride & mercury (I) nitrate

43. Will a silver sulfate precipitate form when 50.0 mL of 0.050 M AgNO 3 is mixed with 75.0 mL
of 0.0050 M Na2SO4? (Ksp of Ag2SO4 is 1.5 x 10-5)
A) No, because Q < K
B) Yes, because Q < K
C) No, because Q > K
D) Yes, because Q > K
E) Not enough information

44. Will a precipitate form when 0.96g (NH4)2CO3 is mixed with 0.20 g CaBr2 in 10 L of solution?
(Ksp= 4.5 x 10-9 for CaCO3)
A) No, because Q < K
B) Yes, because Q < K
C) No, because Q > K
D) Yes, because Q > K
E) Not enough information

Selective Precipitation: Separation of Ions

Classwork
45. A solution contains 2.0 x 10-4 M Ag+ and 1.5 x 10-3 M Pb2+. If sodium iodide, NaI is added,
what [I-] will cause the first precipitate? (Ksp= 8.3 x 10-17 for AgI; Ksp= 7.9 x 10-9 for PbI2)
A) 2.0 x 10-4 M I- will cause AgI to precipitate first
B) 4.2 x 10-13 M I- will cause AgI to precipitate first
C) 5.3 x 10-6 M I- will cause PbI2 to precipitate first
D) 2.3 x 10-3 M I- will cause PbI2 to precipitate first
E) Not enough information

46. Referring to the questions above, how much of the first ion will be present when the second
ion begins to precipitate?
47. A solution contains 1.0 x 10 -5 M Pb2+ and 2.2 x 10-4 M Mg2+. If lithium carbonate, LiCO3 is
added, what [CO32-] will cause the first precipitate? (Ksp= 7.4 x 10-14 for PbCO3; Ksp= 5.0 x
10-10 for MgCO3)
A) 7.4 x 10-9 M CO32- will cause PbCO3 to precipitate first
B) 4.2 x 10-13 M CO32- will cause PbCO3 to precipitate first
C) 5.3 x 10-6 M CO32- will cause MgCO3 to precipitate first
D) 2.3 x 10-6 M CO32- will cause MgCO3 to precipitate first
E) Not enough information

48. Referring to the questions above, how much of the first ion will be present when the second
ion begins to precipitate?

Homework
49. A solution contains 0.010 M Ba2+ and 0.010 M Sr2+. If sodium sulfate, Na2SO4 is slowly added,
what [SO42-] will cause the first precipitate? (Ksp= 1.1 x 10-10 for BaSO4; Ksp= 3.2 x 10-7 for
SrSO4)
A) 1.1 x 10-10 M SO42- will cause BaSO4 to precipitate first
B) 1.1 x 10-8 M SO42- will cause BaSO4 to precipitate first
C) 3.2 x 10-5 M SO42- will cause SrSO4 to precipitate first
D) 3.2 x 10-7 M SO42- will cause SrSO4 to precipitate first
E) Not enough information

50. Referring to the questions above, how much of the first ion will be present when the second
ion begins to precipitate?

51. A solution contains 0.0250 M Ca2+ and 1.5 x 10-3 M Fe2+. If potassium hydroxide, KOH is
added, what [OH-] will cause the first precipitate? (Ksp= 6.5 x 10-6 for Fe(OH)2; Ksp= 7.9 x
10-16 for Fe(OH)2)
A) 1.6 x 10-2 M OH- will cause Ca(OH)2 to precipitate first
B) 1.1 x 10-8 M OH- will cause Ca(OH)2 to precipitate first
C) 1.5 x 10-5 M OH- will cause Fe(OH)2 to precipitate first
D) 7.3 x 10-7 M OH- will cause Fe(OH)2 to precipitate first
E) Not enough information

52. Referring to the questions above, how much of the first ion will be present when the second
ion begins to precipitate?

II- Conceptual Questions Ksp and Solubility

1) The best explanation for the solubility of MnS in dilute HCl is that
A) The solubility product of MnCl2 is less than that of MnS
B) Concentration of Mn2+ is lowered by the formation of complexs ions with chloride ions
C) Concentration of sulfide ions is lowered by oxidation of free sulfur
D) Concentration of sulfide ions is lowered by the formation of the weak H 2S
E) Because of the formation of more MnCl2

2) The solubility of AgI in NaI solution is less than that in pure water because
A) AgI forms complexs with NaI
B) of common ion effect
C) solubility product of AgI is less than that of NaI
D) the temperature of the solution decreases
E) none of the above

3) The solubility product of CuS, Ag2S and HgS are 10-31, 10-44 and 10-54 respectively. The
solubility of these sulfides are in the order
A) Ag2S> CuS >HgS
B) Ag2S > HgS > CuS
C) HgS> Ag2S > CuS
D) CuS > Ag2S > HgS
E) HgS > CuS > Ag2S

4) What is the correct expression for the solubility product of SnS?

A) [Sn2+] [S2-]2
B) [Sn2+] [S2-]
C) [Sn2+] [2S2-]2
D) [Sn2+] [2S2-]
E) [Sn2+]2 [S2-]2

5) The solubility of CaCO3 in water is 3.05 x10-4 moles/L. Its solubility product will be

A) 6.1 x10-4 C) 3.05 x10-4 E) 15.4

B) 9.3 D) 9.3 x 10-8

6) The solubility of A2X3 is y mol dm-3. Its solubility product is

A) 6y4 C) 36y5 E) 6y5

B) 64y4 D) 108y5

7) Consider the following solubility data for various chromates at 25 oC.

Ksp
Ag2CrO4 9.0 x 10-12
BaCrO4 2.0 x 10-10
PbCrO4 1.8 x 10-14

The chromate that is the most soluble in water at 25oC on a molar basis is:

A) Ag2CrO4
B) BaCrO4
C) PbCrO4
D) impossible to determine
E) none of these

8) What is the molar solubility, of Ba3(PO4)2 in terms of Ksp?

A) Ksp1/2
B)) Ksp1/5
C) [Ksp/27]1/5
D) [Ksp/108]1/5
E) [Ksp/4]5

9) Ag3PO4 would be least soluble at 25oC in

A) 0.1 M AgNO3
B) 0.1 M HNO3
C) pure water
D) 0.1 M Na3PO4
E) solubility in (a), (b), (c), or (d) is not different

10) When we mix together, from separate sources, the ions of a slightly soluble ionic salt, the salt
will precipitate if Q _____ Ksp, and will continue to precipitate until Q _____ Ksp.
A) is greater than; equals
B) is less than; is greater than
C) is less than; equals
D) equals; is less than
E) equals; is greater than

11) Which of the following pairs of compounds gives a precipitate when aqueous solutions of them
are mixed? Assume that the concentrations of all compounds are 1.0 M immediately after mixing.
A) CuBr2 and K2CO3
B) HNO3 and NH4I
C) BaCl2 and KClO4
D) Na2CO3 and H2SO4
E) KCl and KNO3

12) Which of the following occurs when excess of concentrated NH 3 (aq) is mixed with 0.1M
Cu(NO3)2 (aq) ?
A) A dark red precipitate forms and settles out
B) Separate layers of immiscible liquids form with a blue layer on top.
C) The color of the solution turns from light blue to dark blue.
D) Bubbles of ammonia gas form.
E) The pH of the solution decreases.
13) A yellow precipitate forms when 0.2 M NaI is added to a 0.2M solution of which of the
following ions?

A) Zn2+ C) CrO4 2- E) OH-

B) Pb2+ D) SO42-

14) Which solution below could selectively precipitate lead alone from the mixture if it has Fe 2+,
Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions?

A) sodium sulfide D) dilute Nitric acid

B) sodium hydroxide E) dilute Ammonia
C) dilute Hydrochloric acid

15) When 50 ml each of 0.1 M Li3(PO4) and Ag(NO3) are mixed together, yellow precipitate of silver
phosphate is produced. Which of the following ions is the major component in the solution?

A) [PO43-] C) [Ag+] E) They are all equal

B) [NO3-] D) [Li3+]

16) If 100ml each of 0.1M of Ba(OH)2 and Na2 (SO4) are mixed together, what would be the
concentration of the hydroxide ions in solution?

A) 0.2 M C) 1.0M E) 0.01M

B) 0.1M D) .02M

17) Referring to the above question, what would be the concentration of [SO 42-] ions in the resulting
solution?

A) 0.1M C) 1.0M E) 0.05M

B) 0.5M D) Negligible amount

18) When aqueous NH3 is first added to a solution containing Ni2+, a precipitate forms, but when an
excess of aqueous NH3 is added, the precipitate dissolves. Which of the below explains why the
precipitate dissolves?
A) Ni2+ forms hydrogen bonds with NH3
B) Ni2+ forms hydrogen bonds with NH3
C) Ni2+ forms complex ion with NH3
D) Ni2+ is oxidized to Ni3+
E) Ni2+ is reduced to Ni1+

19) Which of the following ions are generally insoluble in cold water?
A) Acetate C) Phosphate E) Ammonium
B) Potassium D) Nitrate

20) A student mixes equal volumes of 1.0M solutions of Tin chloride and 1.0 M copper sulfate and
observes that no precipitate forms. Then the student mixes equal volumes of 1.0 M solutions of
sodium sulfide and copper sulfide and observes the formation of a precipitate. The formula of the
precipitate must be

A) CuS C) CuCl E) NaSO4

B) CuCl2 D) Na2(SO4)2

Solubility product, Ksp - Free Response Questions

1) The solubility of iron (II) hydroxide, Fe(OH)2, is 1.43x10-3 gram per liter at 25˚C.
a) Write a balanced equation for the solubility equilibrium.
b) Write the expression for the solubility product constant, Ksp, and calculate its value.
c) Calculate the pH of a saturated solution of Fe(OH)2 at 25˚C.
d) A 50.0 milliliter sample of 3.00x10-3 molar FeSO4 solution is added to 50.0 milliliters of
4.00x10-6 molar NaOH solution. Does a precipitate of Fe(OH)2 form? Explain and show
calculations to support your answer.

2) Solve the following problem related to the solubility equilibria of some metal hydroxides in
aqueous solution.
(a)The solubility of Cu(OH)2(s) is 1.72x10-6 gram per 100 milliliters of solution at 25˚C.
i. Write the balanced chemical equation for the dissociation of Cu(OH) 2(s) in aqueous
solution.
ii. Calculate the solubility (in moles per liter) of Cu(OH)2 at 25˚C.
iii. Calculate the value of the solubility-product constant, Ksp, for Cu(OH)2 at 25˚C.

(b)The value of the solubility-product constant, Ksp, for Zn(OH)2 is 7.7x10-17 at 25˚C.
i. Calculate the solubility (in moles per liter) of Zn(OH)2 at 25˚C in a solution with a pH of 9.35.
ii. At 25˚C, 50.0 milliliters of 0.100-molar Zn(NO 3)2 is mixed with 50.0 milliliters of 0.300-
molar NaOH. Calculate the molar concentration of Zn 2+(aq) in the resulting solution once
equilibrium has been established. Assume that volumes are additive.

3) MgF2(s) ↔ Mg2+ (aq) + 2 F- (aq)

In a saturated solution of MgF2 at 18° C, the concentration of Mg2+ is 1.21 x 10-3 molar. The
equilibrium is represented by the equation above.

a) Write the expression for the solubility-product constant, Ksp and calculate its value at 18° C.
b) Calculate the equilibrium concentration of Mg2+ in 1.000 liter of saturated MgF2 solution at
18°C to which 0.100 mole of solid KF has been added. The KF dissolves completely. Assume
the volume change is negligible.
c) Predict whether a precipitate of MgF2 will form when 100.0 milliliters of a 3.00 x 10-3 molar
Mg(NO3)2 solution is mixed with 200.0 milliliters of a 2.00 x 10-3 molar NaF solution at 18°C.
Calculations to support your prediction must be shown.
d) At 27°C the concentration of Mg2+ in a saturated solution of MgF2 is 1.17 x 10-3 molar. Is the
dissolving of MgF2 in water an endothermic or an exothermic process? Give an explanation
to support your conclusion
4)

a) At 283K, 8.9 x10-5 g of AgCl (s) will dissolve in 100 ml of water.

i. Write the equation for the dissociation of AgCl in water.

ii. Calculate the solubility in mol/L of AgCl in water at 283K
iii. Calculate the value of the solubility –product constant, K sp for AgCl.

b) If 60.0 ml of 0.0400M NaCl is added to 60ml of 0.0300M Pb(NO 3)2, will a precipitate form?
Volumes are additive. Show the calculations.
c) Calculate the equilibrium value of [Pb2+] in 1L of saturated PbCl2 solution to which
0.250mol of NaCl (s) has been added.( no volume change occurs) Ksp PbCl 2 = 1.6 x10-5

5) Several reactions are carried out using AgBr, a cream-colored silver salt for which the value of
the solubility product constant, Ksp, is 5.0 × 10−13 at 298 K.

a) Write the expression for the solubility-product constant, Ksp, of AgBr.

b) Calculate the value of [Ag+] in 50.0 mL of a saturated solution of AgBr at 298 K.
c) A 50.0 mL sample of distilled water is added to the solution described in part (b), which is in
a beaker with some solid AgBr at the bottom. The solution is stirred and equilibrium is
reestablished. Some solid AgBr remains in the beaker. Is the value of [Ag +] greater than, less
than, or equal to the value you calculated in part (b)? Justify your answer.
d) Calculate the minimum volume of distilled water, in liters, necessary to completely dissolve
a 5.0 g sample of AgBr(s) at 298 K. (The molar mass of AgBr is 188 g mol-1)
e) A student mixes 10.0 mL of 1.5 × 10−4 M AgNO3 with 2.0 mL of 5.0 × 10−4 M NaBr and stirs
the resulting mixture. What will the student observe? Justify your answer with calculations.
f) The color of another salt of silver, AgI(s), is yellow. A student adds a solution of NaI to a test
tube containing a small amount of solid, cream-colored AgBr. After stirring the contents of
the test tube, the student observes that the solid in the test tube changes color from cream
to yellow.
i. Write the chemical equation for the reaction that occurred in the test tube.
ii. Which salt has the greater value of Ksp: AgBr or AgI? Justify your answer.
6)
(a) For a 1:1 compound, Ksp = s2

i. What is the relationship for Al2S3? Ksp =

ii. What is the relationship for Ag3PO4? Ksp =

iii. What is the relationship for Al(OH)3? Ksp =

iv. What is the relationship for Ag2SO3 Ksp =

a) The Ksp of CuCN is 3.2 x 10-20. What is the molar solubility of CuCN?
b) The [F-] in a saturated solution of BaF2 is 1.5 x 10-2 M. What is the Ksp of BaF2?
c) The Ksp of AuI is 1.6 x 10-23. What is the molar solubility of AuI?
d) The Ksp of ZnS is 2.0 x 10-25. What is the molar solubility of ZnS in 0.10 M K2S?

7) Ag2CrO4  2Ag+ (aq) + CrO42-(aq) Ksp = 2.6 x10-12

a) Write the equilibrium – constant expression for the dissolving of Ag2CrO4 (s)
b) Calculate the concentration in mol/L of Ag+ (aq) in a saturated solution of Ag2CrO4 at 25˚C
c) Calculate the maximum mass in grams of Ag2CrO4 that can dissolve in 100 ml of water at
25˚C.
d) A 0.100 mol sample of solid Ag NO3 is added to a 1.00 L saturated solution of Ag2CrO4.
Assuming no volume change, does [CrO42-] increase, decrease or remain the same? Justify
your answer.

In a saturated solution of Ag3PO4 at 250C, the concentration of Ag(aq) is 5.3 x10 -5M. The
equilibrium constant expression for the dissolving of Ag3PO4 (s) in water is below.

Ksp = [Ag+]3 [PO43-]

a) Write the balanced equation for the dissociation of Ag3PO4 in water.

b) Calculate the value of Ksp for Ag3PO4 at 25˚C
c) A 1L sample of saturated Ag3PO4 solution is allowed to evaporate at 25˚C to a final volume of
500 mL. What is [Ag+] in the solution? Justify your answer.

8) 1.2M NaI is added to a 1L of solution containing 0.002M Ag(NO 3) and 0.5M Pb(NO3)2. Assume
the volume change is negligible. Ksp AgI = 8.3 10-17 , Ksp PbI2 = 7.9 10-9

a) Write down the individual reactions between NaI and Ag(NO3) and PbI2.
b) What is/are the solid product/s if there is any would form?
c) Which one of the solid product will precipitate first from the solution?
Answers

Introduction to Solubility Equilibria

1) Agl (s) ↔ Ag+ (aq) + I-(aq)

Ksp = [Ag+][ I-]
2) CdCO3 (s) ↔ Cd2+ (aq) + CO32-(aq)
Ksp = [Cd2+][ CO32-]
3) Ag2CrO4 (s) ↔ 2Ag+ (aq) + CrO42-(aq)
Ksp = [Ag+]2[CrO42-]
4) Fe3(PO4)2(s) ↔ 3Fe2+ (aq) + 2PO43-(aq)
Ksp = [Fe2+]3[PO42-]2
5) Fe(OH)3(s) ↔ Fe3+ (aq) + 3OH-(aq)
Ksp = [Fe3+] [OH-]3
6) C. The salt with the smallest Ksp value is the least soluble if all the salts have a 1:1 ratio of
cation to anion.
Calculating Ksp from Solubility
7) E Ksp = [Ag+][Cl-] = (1.34 x 10 -5)2 = 1.8 x 10 -10
8) D Ksp = [Pb2+][Cl-]2 = (1.6 x 10-2)(3.2 x 10-2)2 = 1.6 x 10-5
9) B Ksp = [Ag+]2[SO42-] = (4.4 x 10-5)2(2.2 x 10 -5) = 4.3 x 10-14
10) C Ksp = [Au3+][Cl-]3 = (3.3 x 10-7)(9.9 x 10 -7)3 = 3.2 x 10 -25
11) 0.67g x 1 mol/136.2g = 4.9 x 10 -3 mol/liter
Ksp = [Ca2+][SO42-] = 4.9 x 10-3 )2 = 2.4 x 10-5
12) 0.015g x 1 mol/331.8g = 4.5 x 10 -5 mol/liter
Ksp = [Ag+]2[CrO42-] = (9.0 x 10-5 )2 (4.5 x 10 -5) = 3.7 x 10 -13
13) Ksp = [Li+]2[CO32-] = (0.30 )2 (0.15) = 0.0135
14) B Ksp = 1.8 x 10 -5

Calculating Solubility from Ksp

15) C Ksp = [Ag+][Br-] = x2 x = √5.0 x 10 -13 = 7.1 x 10 -7 mol/L
16) A Ksp = [Pb2+]2[I-] = 4x3 x = (Ksp/4)1/3 = 1.5 x 10-3 mol/L
17) Ag2S(s) ↔ 2Ag+(aq) +S2-(aq)
Ksp = (2x)2(x) = 4x3
6 x 10-51 = 4x3
x = 1.1 x 10 -17 mol/L
18) AlCl3(s) ↔ Al3+(aq) + 3Cl-(aq)
Ksp = (x)(3x)3 = 27x4
27 x 10-64 = 27x4
x = 1 x 10 -16 mol/L
19. C Ksp = [Ba2+][CO32-] = x2
x = √5.0 x 10-9 = 7.1 x 10 -5 mol/L
20. A Ksp = [Ag+]2[CO32-] = (2x)2(x) = 4x3
x = (Ksp/4)1/3 = 1.3 x 10-4 mol/L
21. Ksp = [Zn2+][OH-]2 = (x)(2x)2 = 4x3
x = (Ksp/4)1/3 = 4.2 x 10-6 mol/L
22. Ksp = [La3+][F-]3 = (x)(3x)3 = 27x4
x = (Ksp/27)1/4 = 9.3 x 10-6 mol/L

Factors Affecting Solubility: Common Ion Effect

23. B
24. A
25. B
26. D Ksp = [Pb+2] [Cl-]2
[Cl-] = √Ksp/[Pb+2]
[Cl-] = √ 1.0 x 10 -4/ 0.100 = 3.2 x 10-2
27. E
28. B
29. D
30. A
Ksp = [Ag+]2[CO32-]
[Ag+] = √Ksp/[ CO32-]
[Ag+] = √ 8.1 x 10 -12/ 0.025 = 1.8 x 10-5
Factors Affecting Solubility: pH
31. C
Ksp = [Ni2+][OH-]2 = (x)(2x)2 = 4x3
x = (Ksp/4)1/3 = 5.3 x 10-6 mol/L
32. B
pH = 10.0, pOH = 4.0 [OH-] = 1.0 x 10 -4
Ksp = [Ni2+][OH-]2
6.0 x 10-16 = [Ni2+] (1.0 x 10-4)2
[Ni2+] = 6.0 x 10-16/(1.0 x 10-4)2
[Ni2+] = 6.0 x 10 -8
33. E pH = 11.5, pOH = 2.5 [OH-] = 3.2 x 10 -3
Ksp = [Ni2+][OH-]2
6.0 x 10-16 = [Ni2+] (3.2 x 10-3)2
[Ni2+] = 6.0 x 10-16/(3.2 x 10-3)2
[Ni2+] = 5.9 x 10-11
34. E
35. B Ksp = [Cu2+][OH-]2 = (x)(2x)2 = 4x3
x = (Ksp/4)1/3 = 2.3 x 10-7 mol/L

36. B
pH = 9.5, pOH = 4.5 [OH-] = 3.2 x 10 -5
Ksp = [Cu2+][OH-]2
4.8 x 10-20 = [Cu2+] (3.2 x 10-5)2
[Cu2+] = 4.8 x 10-20/(3.2 x 10-5)2
[Cu2+] = 4.7 x 10-11
37.

pH = 12.2, pOH = 1.8 [OH-] = 1.6 x 10-2

Ksp = [Cu2+][OH-]2
4.8 x 10-20 = [Cu2+] (1.6 x 10-2)2
[Cu2+] = 4.8 x 10-20/(1.6 x 10-2)2
[Cu2+] = 1.9 x 10-16

38. B

Selective Precipitation: Precipitation Reactions

39. B
40. C
41. Q = [Ag+] [IO3- ]
[Ag+] = (0.010)(0.10L)/(.110 L) = 9.09 x 10-3
[IO3- ] = (0.015)(0.01L)/(.110L) =1.36 x 10-3

Q = (9.09 x 10-3) (1.36 x 10-3) = 1.24 x 10 -5

Since Q > K, then there will be a precipitate of Ag(IO3)
42. D
43. Q = [Ag+]2 [SO42- ]
[Ag+] = (0.050)(0.50L)/(.125 L) = 0.20M
[IO3- ] = (0.005)(0.75L)/(.125L) =0.03M
Q = (0.20)2(0.03) = 1.2 x 10 -3
Since Q > K, then there will be a precipitate of Ag2SO4

44. 0.96 g (NH4)2CO3 x 1 mol/96 g = 1 mol/10 L = 0.10 M CO32-

0.20 g CaBr2 x 1 mol/199.9 g = 1.0 x 10-3 M Ca2+
Q = [Ca2+][CO32-] = 1.0 x 10-3 )(0.10) = 1 x 10-4
Since Q > K, then there will be a precipitate of CaCO 3

Selective Precipitation: Separation of Ions

45. B

[I-] needed to precipitate AgI:

[I-] = Ksp / [Ag+] = 8.3 x 10-17 / 2.0 x 10-4 = 4.2 x 10-13 mol/L

[I-] needed to precipitate PbI2:

[I-] = √Ksp / [Pb2+] = √7.9 x 10-9 / 1.5 x 10-3 = 2.3 x 10-3 M

Since a lower iodide ion concentration is needed for AgI, it will precipitate first.

46. Ag+ precipitates first. The question asks what will be the concentration of Ag + when Pb2+ begins
to precipitate.
Ksp = [Ag+] [I-] = 8.3 x 10-17
[Ag+] = 8.3 x 10 -17 / [I-]
[I-] needed to precipitate Pb2+ is 2.3 x 10-3.

[Ag+] = 8.3 x 10 -17 / 2.3 x 10-3

[Ag+] = 3.6 x 10-14 when the PbI2 begins to precipitate.

47. A

[CO32-] needed to precipitate PbCO3:

[CO32-] = Ksp / [Pb2+] = 7.4 x 10-14 / 1.0 x 10-5 = 7.4 x 10-9 mol/L

[CO32-] needed to precipitate MgCO3:

[CO32-] = Ksp / [Mg2+] = 5.0 x 10-10 / 2.2 x 10-4 = 2.3 x 10-6 mol/L

Since a lower carbonate ion concentration is needed for PbCO3, it will precipitate first.

48. Pb2+ precipitates first. The question asks what will be the concentration of Pb 2+ when Mg2+
begins to precipitate.
Ksp = [Pb2+] [CO32-] = 7.4 x 10-14
[Pb2+] = 7.4 x 10 -14 / [CO32-]
[CO32-] needed to precipitate Mg2+ is 2.3 x 10-6 mol/L

[Pb2+] = 7.4 x 10 -14 / 2.3 x 10-6 mol/L

[Pb2+] = 3.2 x 10-8 mol/L when the MgCO3 begins to precipitate.
49. B
[SO42-] needed to precipitate BaSO4:
[SO42-] = Ksp / [Ba2+] = 1.1 x 10-10 / 0.010 = 1.1 x 10-8 mol/L

[SO42-] needed to precipitate SrSO4:

[SO42-] = Ksp / [Sr2+] = 3.2 x 10-7 / 0.010 = 3.2 x 10-5 mol/L

Since a lower sulfate ion concentration is needed for BaSO4, it will precipitate first.

50. Ba2+ precipitates first. The question asks what will be the concentration of Ba 2+ when Sr2+
begins to precipitate.
Ksp = [Ba2+] [SO42-] = 1.1 x 10-10
[Ba2+] = 1.1 x 10 -10 / [SO42-]
[SO42-] needed to precipitate Sr2+ is 3.2 x 10-5 mol/L

[Ba2+] = 1.1 x 10 -10 / 3.2 x 10-5 = 3.4 x 10-6 mol/L

51. D

[OH-] needed to precipitate Ca(OH)2:

[OH-] = √Ksp / [Ca2+]
[OH-] = √6.5 x 10-6/0.0250
[OH-] = 0.016 mol/L

[OH-] needed to precipitate Fe(OH)2:

[OH-] = √Ksp / [Fe2+]
[OH-] = √7.9 x 10-16/1.5 x 10-3
[OH-] = 7.3 x 10-7 mol/L

Since a lower hydroxide ion concentration is needed for Fe(OH) 2, it will precipitate first.

52. Fe2+ precipitates first. The question asks what will be the concentration of Fe 2+ when Ca2+
begins to precipitate.
Ksp = [Fe2+] [OH-]2 = 7.9 x 10-16
[Fe2+] = Ksp / [OH-]2
[OH-] needed to precipitate Ca2+ is 0.016 mol/L

[Fe2+] = 7.9 x 10-16/ (0.016)2 = 3.1 x 10-12 mol/L

Conceptual questions:

1) D 8) D 15) D

2) B 9) A 16) C
3) A 10) A 17) D

4) B 11) A 18) C

5) D 12) C 19) C

6) A 13) B 20) A

7) A 14) C

Answers for Free Response Questions

1)
(a) Fe(OH)2(s) ↔ Fe2+(aq) + 2 OH-+ (aq)
(b)
1.43103 g 1 mol 5
 1.59 10 mol L Fe(OH)2
L 89.9 g
= 1.59x10-5 M = [Fe2+]
= 3.18x10-5 M = [OH-] [OH-] = 2 [Fe2+]

Ksp = [Fe2+][OH-]2 = (1.59x10-5)(3.18x10-5)2

= 1.61x10-14
[H+] = 1.0 x 10-14/3.18 x 10-5 = 3.14 x 10-10
(c) pH = -log[H+] = 9.50
OR
pOH = -log[OH-] = -log(3.18x10-8) = 4.50
pH = 14 - pOH = 9.50
(d) 50.0 mL of 3.00x10-3 M Fe2+ diluted of 100.0 mL = 1.50x10-3 M Fe2+
50.0 mL of 4.00x10-6 M OH- diluted of 100.0 mL = 2.00x10-6 M OH-
Q = [Fe2+][OH-]2 = (1.50x10-3)(2.00x10-6)2
= 6.00x10-15
Precipitate will NOT form since Q < Ksp
2)
(a)
i. Cu(OH)2(s)  Cu2+ (aq) + 2 OH- (aq)
ii. 1.72 x 10-6 x 1 mol = 1.76 x 10-7 mol/L
0.100 L 97.5 g
iii. Ksp = [Cu2+][OH-]2
= [1.76x10-7][3.53x10-7]2 = 2.20x10-20
(b)
i. Zn(OH)2(s)  Zn2+ (aq) + 2 OH- (aq)
Ksp = [Zn2+][OH-]2
pH 9.35 = pOH 4.65; [OH-] = 10-pOH
[OH-] = 10-4.65 = 2.24x10-5 M
[Zn2+] = solubility of Zn(OH)2 in mol/L
[Zn2+] = Ksp / [OH-]2 = (7.7 x 10-17)/(2.24 x 10-5)2 = 1.5 x 10-7 M
50 mL

ii. [Zn2+]init = 0.100M x 100 mL = 0.0500 M

50 mL

[OH-]init = 0.300M x 100 mL = 0.150 M

X = conc. loss to get to equilibrium
Ksp = 7.7x10-17 = (0.0500 - X)(0.150 - 2X)2 X = 0.05
2+
All the Zn ions get precipitated.
OR
Zn2+ + 2(OH)-  Zn(OH)2
0.05M 0.15M initially
All the Zn2+ ions will be precipitated as the Zn2+ ions is the limiting here. In that situation we have an
equilibrium as Zn(OH)2  Zn2+ + 2(OH)- and the Ksp expression should be followed.
Ksp = 7.7 10-17 = 4x3 , x =[Zn2+] = 2.7 10-6 M

3)
(a) Ksp = [Mg2+][F-]2

= (1.21 x 10-3) (2 x 1.21 x 10-3)2

= 7.09 x 10-9

(b) Ksp = [Mg2+] ( 0.1)2

7.09 x 10-9 = [Mg2+] (0.1)2

[Mg2+] = (7.09 x 10-9) / (0.01)

= 7.09 x 10-7 M

(c) [Mg2+] = 3.00 x 10-3 x0.1L /0.3l = 0.001M

[F-] = 2.00 x 10-3 x 0.2L / 0.3L = 0.00133M

Q = Ion Product = [Mg2+] [F-]2

= (1.00 x 10-3) (1.33 x 10-3)2

= 1.77 x 10-9

Since Q < Ksp, no precipitate will form.

Note: conclusion must be consistent with Q value.

d) Solubility of MgF2 decreases with the increasing temperature, thus dissolution process is
exothermic.

MgF2 → Mg2+ + 2F- + Q (or H)

Reason:

i) Increased temperature puts a stress on the system (LeChâ telier). The system will reduce
the stress by shifting the equilibrium in the endothermic (left) direction.

4) (a) i) AgCl(s) → Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

ii) 8.9 x 10-5g = 6.2 x 10-7 (in 100 mL)

143.32 g/mol
(6.2 x 10-7 mol/100 mL) (1,000 mL/ 1 L) = 6.2 x 10-6

iii) Ksp = [Ag+][Cl-] = (6.2 x 10-6)2 = 3.8 x 10-11

(b) Find Q and see if it is bigger than the Ksp.

[Cl-]=0.0200M, [Pb2+]=0.0150M (Note since the volume is doubled the concentrations are cut in
half—M1V1=M2V2)

PbCl2 ↔ Pb2+ + 2Cl-, Q =[Pb2+][Cl-]2 =[0.0150][0.0200]2 = 6.00  10-6

Since 6.00  10-6<1.6  10-5, no precipitate will form.

(c) Use common ion effect.  You will know the [Cl-] and then solve for the [Pb2+] using the Ksp
equation.

Ksp=1.6 x 10-5=[Pb2+][0.25M]2 

Therefore, [Pb2+]=2.56 x 10-4 M

5)
(a) Ksp = 5.0 x 10-13 = [Ag+][Br-]

(b) [Ag+]= [Br-] = (Ksp)1/2 = 7.1 x 10-7 M ( saturated)

(c) Adding distilled water to a solution with solid ( it is already saturated)will not change the
concentration. It will remain the same. The value of [Ag+] after addition of distilled water is equal
to the value in part (b). The concentration of ions in solution in equilibrium with a solid does not
depend on the volume of the solution.

(d) moles AgBr = 5.0/188= 0.027 moles

5.0 x 10-13 = (0.027/V)( 0.027/V) = 7.3 x 10-4/V2
V = 3.8 x 104 L
(e) moles Ag+ = 0.010 x 1.5 x 10-4 = 1.5 x 10-6
moles Br- = 2.0 x 10-3 L x 5.0 x 10-4 M= 1.0 x 10-6
total volume = 0.012 L
[Br-] = 1.0 x 10-6 / 0.012 L=8.3 x 10-5 M
[Ag+] = 1.5 x 10-6 / 0.012 L=1.3 x 10-4 M
Q = 1.3 x 10-4 x 8.3 x 10-5 = 1.0 x 10-8
Q > Ksp so precipitation should occur
(f) Na + I- (aq) + AgBr (s)  AgI (s) + Br- (aq) + Na+ solid AgI - yellow colored, is precipitated.
The solubility of AgBr is greater than the solubility of AgI. In presence of Br- and I- ions, the less
soluble AgI got precipitated.

6)
a) i) 108x5
ii) 6912x4
iii) 27x4
iv) 4x3

b) Ksp = 3.2 x 10-20 = x2 ; x = 1.8 x 10-10 mol/L

c) Recall that the Ksp expression can be written as Ksp = [Ba2+][F-]2 for BaF2. One mole of BaF2
creates two moles of F- and one mole of Ba2+ per mol of BaF2 dissolved.
x = [F-]/2 = .0075
Ksp = 4x3 = 4(0.00753) = 1.7 x 10-6
OR
Ba2+] = ½ [F-] = ½ x 0.015 = 0.0075M substitute in ksp
0.0075 x 0.0152 1.7 x 10-6

d) Molar solubility = (Ksp)1/2 = 4 x 10-12

e) Ksp = [ Zn2+ ][S2-] = (x)(.1) = 2 x 10-25 ; x = 2 x 10-24

7)

a) Ag2CrO4 ↔ 2Ag+ (aq) + CrO42-(aq) ; Ksp = 2x2 . x = 4x3

b) 2.6 x10-12 = 4x3 ; x3 = (2.6 x10-12)/4 ; x = 3(2.6 x10-12 )1/2 = 8.7x 10-5

[Ag+] = 2x = 2 x 8.7x 10-5 = 1.7 x10-4

c) X = [CrO42-] ; 1mol Ag2CrO4 = 1 mol [CrO42-]

(8.7 x 10-5 x 0.1L)/1L x 331.7g/mol = 0.0029g/L

d) 0.1 mol AgNO3 + 1L of Ag2CrO4

Ag2CrO4 ↔ 2Ag+ (aq) + CrO42-(aq)

When more Ag+ ions are added, the equilibrium will shift to the left producing solid Ag 2CrO4
. Therefore [CrO42-] will decrease.
e) Ag3PO4 ↔ 3 Ag+ + (PO4)3-

f) Ksp = [Ag+ ]3 [PO43-] = [5.3 x10-5 ]3 x (5.3 x10-5)/3

= 2.6 x 10-18

g)The [Ag+] will remain the same as long as the solution is saturated. It is independent of the
volume of the saturated solution.

8) a) NaI + Ag(NO3) ↔ AgI(s) + NaNO3(aq)

2NaI + Pb(NO3)2 ↔ PbI2(s) + 2NaNO3 (aq)

b) AgI; PbI2

c) AgI: 8.3 x 10-17 = [I-][0.002 M] ; [I-] = 4.15 x 10-14

PbI2:7.9 x 10-9 = [I-]2[0.5 M] ; [I-] = 1.26 x 10-4

AgI will precipitate first