Question
Question: Solubility product of \[Mg{(OH)_2}\] is \[1 \times {10^{ - 11}}\]. At what pH, precipitation of \[Mg...
Solubility product of Mg(OH)2 is 1×10−11. At what pH, precipitation of Mg(OH)2 will begin from 0.1 M Mg2+ solution:
A.9
B.5
C.3
D.7
Solution
The solubility product constant is an equilibrium constant for the dissolution of a solid substance into an aqueous solution. It is denoted by the symbol Ksp. It is usually represented as the product of the concentration of the two ions found in the ionic compound. The solubility product value depends on temperature. It usually increases with an increase in temperature due to increased solubility in the aqueous medium.
Complete answer:
We know that the solubility product of any compound can be expressed as the product of concentration of its constituent ions. This means that in the case of Mg(OH)2
⇒Ksp=[Mg2+][OH−]2
Since it is given that Ksp = 1×10−11,
Concentration of Mg2+ ions is given as 0.1 M
By substituting in the equation, we get
⇒1×10−11=0.1×[OH−]2
Thus we can say that the concentration of OH− can be found out as
⇒[OH−]=0.11×10−11
⇒[OH−]=1×10−10
⇒[OH−]=1×10−5 M
Now we know that the concentration of OH− in the given solution is 1×10−5M
We also know that pH is defined as the −log[H+]
We can redefine this and say that
⇒pH=14−pOH
⇒pH=14−(−log[OH−])
⇒pH=14+log[1×10−5])
⇒pH=14−5
⇒pH=9
Thus we can say that at pH of 4, the given solution of Mg(OH)2 will start to precipitate.
Thus the correct option for the given question is option (A).
Note:
Ksp is a very important tool in chemistry. It is used for determination of solubility of sparingly soluble salts, for predicting precipitations, to manipulate the preferential and simultaneous solubility of a mixture of salts.
Note that when the ionic product of a solution is greater than its solubility product, the solute will start to precipitate.