Equilibrium, Solubility and Precipitates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of equilibrium constants, solubility product constants (Ksp), and the conditions under which precipitates form in chemical reactions. Participants are seeking clarification on these topics as part of a chemistry course.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to determine an equilibrium constant, calculate Ksp from solubility values, and assess whether a precipitate will form.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of showing personal effort before receiving assistance.
  • A participant attempts to calculate the equilibrium constant for a reaction involving A(g) and its products but expresses uncertainty about handling unknowns.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of Ksp for CaSO4 and MgF2, with one participant initially making an error in the calculation for MgF2.
  • There is a correction regarding the expression for Ksp, specifically that it should include the correct stoichiometric coefficients for the ions produced from MgF2.
  • A participant questions how to determine the ions produced from the dissociation of MgF2 and CaSO4, indicating confusion about the process.
  • One participant presents a method for determining if a precipitate will form when mixing solutions of CaCl2 and NaOH, calculating concentrations and comparing Ktrial to Ksp.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the calculations and methods discussed. There are corrections and clarifications made, but uncertainty remains regarding the application of concepts and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and calculations related to equilibrium constants and Ksp. There are unresolved questions about the correct stoichiometry and the determination of ion concentrations in solution.

skander
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Can someone please explain to me:

1) How to determine an eqilibirium constant

2) How to calculate Ksp from solubility values

3) How to determine if a precipitate will form in a reaction

I am doing a chemistry course without a teacher and the textbook doesn't properly explain it.

Thanks in advance. o:)
 
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Note that we typically require you to show your own effort before we can add anything to the discussion.

You may find these useful:
http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equilibrium/Equilibrium.html
...
http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equilibrium/Equilibrium-Constant.html
http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equilibrium/Calc-K-from-equilib-conc.html
...
http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equilibrium/Writing-Ksp-expression.html
http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equilibrium/Calc-Ksp-FromMolSolub.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Okay, thanks for the links. So let me try to work out some answers over here.

1)A(g) --> 2B(g) + C(g)
<--

When 1 mol of A is placed in a 4 L container at temperature t the concentration of C at equilibibrium is 0.050 mol/L. What is the equiliibrium constant for the reaction at temperature t?

Well the links didn't tell me how to find the eqilibrium contant with unknowns.

2) Calculate the Ksp for each of these salts

A) CaSO4 = 3.3 * 10 -3 mol/L
B) MgF2 = 2.7 * 10 -3 mol/L

So for a) CaSO4 would dissociate to form [Ca] and [SO4] meaning
(3.3 * 10 -3) (3.3 * 10 -3) = 1.089 -5 Ksp = 1.089 -5

and for b) MgF2 would become [Mg] and [F]2 so we would have a 1:2 ratio so,
(2.7 * 10 -3) (5.4 * 10 -3) = 1.458 -5 Ksp = 1.458 -5

Am I right with these two?

Also for determing a precipitate they had an article titled that on their main page but no link so I still am not sure how to do that.
 
You're making a mistake on (b). First write down the expression for Ksp before you substitute values in.
 
Ksp = [Mg] [F2]
Ksp = (2.7 * 10 -3) (2.7 * 10 -3) =7.9 *10 -6
Ksp = 7.9 *10 -6

Is this better?
 
No, it should be

K_{sp}=[Mg^{2+}][F^-]^2

Go back and read the definition of the equilibrium constant again.
http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equilibrium/Equilibrium-Constant.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Okay, I got the exponent 2 the first time but I'm not sure how you determine that MgF2 will become [Mg2+] and [F-]2. How did you determine the ions? And shouldn't Ca and SO4 also have them then?

Also, I think I found how to determine if a precipitate will form, can you check this work for me?

The solubility product of Ca(OH)2 is 7.9 * 10 -6 at 25C. Will a precipitate form when 100 ml of 0.10 mol/L of CaCl2 and 50.0 ml of 0.070 mol/L of NaOH are combined?

So [CaCl2] = 0.10 mol/L * 100 ml / 150 ml = 0.6666666667
[NaOH] = 0.070 mol/L * 50 ml / 150 ml = 0.0233333333

(0.6666666667) (0.0233333333) = 0.01555555563

Since Ktrial > Ksp a precipitate will form.
Is this right?
 

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