Equilibrium, Solubility and Precipitates

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding equilibrium constants, calculating Ksp from solubility values, and determining if a precipitate will form in chemical reactions. Participants clarify how to derive the equilibrium constant from a given reaction and emphasize the importance of writing the correct Ksp expression before substituting values. The calculation examples provided for Ksp of CaSO4 and MgF2 lead to corrections regarding the stoichiometry of ions produced during dissociation. Additionally, the method for assessing whether a precipitate forms is discussed, with a participant successfully calculating concentrations and comparing Ktrial to Ksp to conclude that a precipitate will form. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a solid understanding of chemical principles and proper calculations in equilibrium chemistry.
skander
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
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:)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 
Back
Top