Question

Consider the following salts:
$NaCl,HgC{l_2},H{g_2}C{l_2},CuC{l_2},CuCl$ and $AgCl$. Identify the correct set of insoluble salts in water.
A.$H{g_2}C{l_2},CuCl,AgCl$
B.$HgC{l_2},CuCl.AgCl$
C.$H{g_2}C{l_2},CuC{l_2},AgCl$
D.$H{g_2}C{l_2},CuCl.NaCl$

Answer 1

At first think about the solubility of salts in water. Solubility is the ability of a solid, liquid or gaseous chemical substance to dissolve in solvent and form a solution. Temperature plays a major role in affecting the solubility of a given solute in a given solvent.

Complete step by step answer:
The solubility of salts in water depends on lattice energy and hydration energy. The solubility is high when the lattice energy is low and the hydration energy is high.
$H{g_2}C{l_2},CuCl,AgCl$ are insoluble in water due to their high lattice enthalpy and low hydration enthalpy. $NaCl,HgC{l_2},CuC{l_2}$ are soluble in water due to their low lattice enthalpy and high hydration enthalpy.
So the correct option is A.
Additional Information:- The solubility of a substance fundamentally depends on the solvent used as well as the temperature and pressure. Factors affecting the solubility are temperature, polarity, pressure. Solubility increases with temperature. In most cases solutes dissolve in solvents that have a similar polarity. Pressure does not affect the solubility for solid and liquid solutes. If the pressure and temperature are the same for any two solutes. The one with smaller particles is usually more soluble than the other solute. Stirring does not have an affect on the solubility of a substance.

Note:
The solubility of a substance in a particular solvent is measured by the concentration of the saturated solution. A solution is considered saturated when adding additional solute no longer increases the concentration of the solution.