Detailed Summary
In this section, we delve into the solubility equilibria of sparingly soluble salts, exploring the factors involved in their dissolution in aqueous solutions. The primary concepts include lattice enthalpy, which is the energy required to separate ions in a structured solid, and solvation enthalpy, the energy released when ions interact with a solvent.
Factors affecting solubility are categorized into three categories:
- Category I: Soluble salts with a solubility greater than 0.1 M
- Category II: Slightly soluble salts with solubility between 0.01 M and 0.1 M
- Category III: Sparingly soluble salts with solubility less than 0.01 M
For example, the equilibrium involving barium sulfate can be expressed as:
BaSO4(s) ⇌ Ba2+(aq) + SO4^2–(aq)
The relevant equilibrium constant is known as the solubility product constant, denoted as Ksp, represented mathematically as:
Ksp = [Ba2+][SO4^2–]
The section highlights how Ksp is constant at a specific temperature and indicates the saturation level of the salt in solution. Different salts exhibit diverse solubility behaviors, which can be influenced by the presence of common ions. An increase in the concentration of a common ion typically decreases the solubility of the salt due to the common ion effect, shifting the equilibrium according to Le Chatelier's principle.
By understanding these concepts, one can analyze and predict the behavior of salts in various aqueous environments.