What is the concentration of ions from Ksp?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the solubility product constant (Ksp) for mercury(II) sulfide, represented by the equation Ksp = [Hg2+][S2-]. The calculated concentration of Hg2+ is 1.2649 x 10-26 M, which was initially believed to be correct. However, it was clarified that the presence of S2- as a strong base leads to its reaction with water, producing HS- and OH-, thereby affecting the dissolution equilibrium and invalidating the initial assumption.

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TT0
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not too confident with my knowledge of Ksp so just checking my answer. Ksp = [Hg2+][S2-]

Therefore root Ksp to get [Hg2+] = 1.2649*10-26. So answer is B. Is this right?

Cheers!
 
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This is tricky (and to be honest, question is stupid).

Yes, they expect answer B. No, it is not true, as S2- is a relatively strong base reacting with water to produce HS- and OH-, removing S2- and shifting the dissolution to the right (not to mention zilions of other side reactions between Hg2+ and water, but let's just stick with the most obvious one).
 
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Haha, that is way above my level! Thanks!
 

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