Ksp vs Ka: What's the difference and how does it relate to precipitation?

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muffintop
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Homework Statement


NaCl is added slowly to a solution that is 0.010M in each Cu+, Ag+ and Au+. Ksp's are 1.9x10^-7, 1.8x10^-10 and 2.0x10^-13 respectively. Which compound will precipitate first?


Can anyone tell me how the Ksp is different from Ka? and the relationship to precipitation?
 
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k is just a concentration constant, sp= solubility, a = acid. same concept, different setups, however. ksp only cares about the products.


I'm guessing Ag+ precipitates first, because AgCl is insoluble. the rest are. (I'm not 100% sure, however.)

But if we assumed they were all soluble...
ksp = [.1][Cl-]

substitute stuff into that equation.
the one that gives the lowest concentration of Cl- precipitates first
 
cadillac said:
same concept, different setups

To some extent yes, but there are important differences. You can't use Ka to decide if the new phase emerges, you can use Ksp for that. Reaction quotient for acid solution always equals Ka, reaction quotient for solution containing weakly soluble salt doesn't have to.