Ksp

Front

What is Ksp?

Back

Ksp, or solubility product constant, is an equilibrium constant that applies to the solubility of ionic compounds. It represents the maximum amount of a solute that can dissolve in a solution at a given temperature.

Front

How is Ksp calculated for a salt?

Back

Ksp is calculated using the concentrations of the ions in a saturated solution. For a salt that dissociates into ions, Ksp = [A^n][B^m], where A and B are the ions and n and m are their respective coefficients in the balanced equation.

Front

What is the relationship between molar solubility and Ksp?

Back

Molar solubility is the number of moles of solute that can dissolve in a liter of solution. Ksp can be calculated from molar solubility by substituting the molar solubility values into the Ksp expression.

Front

What is the Ksp expression for Ag2CrO4?

Back

Ksp = [Ag^+]^2[CrO4^2-]

Front

If the molar solubility of a salt is x, how do you express Ksp?

Back

Ksp can be expressed in terms of x based on the dissociation of the salt. For example, for a salt that dissociates into 2A and B, Ksp = (2x)^2(x) = 4x^3.

Front

What does a higher Ksp value indicate about a salt's solubility?

Back

A higher Ksp value indicates that the salt is more soluble in water, meaning more of the salt can dissolve at equilibrium.

Front

What is the significance of a Ksp value of 0?

Back

A Ksp value of 0 indicates that the salt is insoluble in water, meaning it does not dissolve at all.

Front

How does temperature affect Ksp?

Back

Ksp values can change with temperature. Generally, for most salts, an increase in temperature increases solubility and thus Ksp.

Front

What is the common ion effect?

Back

The common ion effect is the decrease in solubility of a salt when a common ion is added to the solution, which shifts the equilibrium to the left.

Front

What is the Ksp expression for PbI2?

Back

Ksp = [Pb^2+][I^-]^2