The solubility of an ionic compound, MX (molar mass of 346g) is #4.63*10^-3 g/L#. What is Ksp for the compound?

1 Answer
Jun 20, 2016

#K_(sp)~=1.8xx10^-10#

Explanation:

#MX(s) rightleftharpoonsM^(+) + X^(-)#

This is an equilibrium reaction, and as usual we write the equilibrium expression:

#K_(sp) = [M^+][X^-]#

#[MX]# does not appear in the expression inasmuch as we cannot speak of the concentration of a solid.

Now #S# #=# #4.63xx10^(-3)*g*L^-1#.

#=# #(4.63xx10^(-3)*g)/(346*g*mol*L^-1)# #=# #1.34xx10^-5*mol*L^-1# with respect to #MX#.

Since #[MX]# #=# #[M^+]# #=# #[X^-]#,

#K_(sp)=[M^+][X^-]# #=# #(1.34xx10^-5)^2#