Solubility Product Constant, Ksp

The Solubility Product Constant, Ksp is the equilibrium constant for a solid substance dissolving
in an aqueous solution. It represents the level at which a solute dissolves in solution. A more a
substance dissolves, the higher the Ksp value it has.
Example:
aA (s) <---> cC (aq) + dD (aq)
To solve for the Ksp it is necessary to take the molarities or concentrations of the products (cC
and dD) and multiply them. If there are coefficients in front of any of the products, it is necessary
to raise the product to that coefficient power(and also multiply the concentration by that
coefficient). This is shown here:
Ksp = {C}c x {D}d
Please note that the reactant, aA, is not included in the Ksp equation because it is a solid. Solids
are not included when calculating any type of equilibrium constant expressions but must be
somewhat present in order for equilibrium to be established. The reason for not including solids
is because since they are solid, their concentration does not change the expression;any change in
their concentration is insignificant therefore left out.
Ksp represents the maximum amount of solid that can be dissolved in the aqueous solution. The
answer will have the units of mol/L, molarity, or better known as concentration.

Some things to note

For highly soluble ionic compounds you have to find the ionic activities versus the
concentrations that are found in slightly soluble solutions.
Common Ion Effect: The solubility of the reaction is reduced by the common ion, so if
dealing with two of the same reactions the reaction with the ion will have a lesser Ksp and
the reaction without the ion will have a greater Ksp.
Salt Effect (diverse ion effect): Having an opposing effect on the Ksp value compared to
the common ion effect, uncommon ions increase the Ksp value. Uncommon ions are those
that are different from those involved in equilibrium.
Ion Pairs: When you have an ionic pair (cation and anion) the Ksp value calculated will
be lower than the actual value due to ions involved in pairing. To reach the calculated Ksp
value, more solute must be added.

Try these!

Source URL: http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Acids_and_Bases/Solubilty/Solubility_Product_Constant%2c_Ksp

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/chem102/

Attributed to: [wikipedia.org]

www.saylor.org
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What is the solubility product constant expression for MgF2?

MgF2(s) <---> Mg2+(aq) + 2F-(aq) so the Ksp = {Mg2+}{F-}2

What is the solubility product constant expression for Ag2CrO4?

Ag2CrO4(s) <---> 2Ag+(aq) + CrO42-(aq) so the Ksp = {Ag+}2{CrO42-}

Internal Links

Relating Solubility and Ksp

Solubility and the Common Ion Effect
Effect of Basic Anions on Salt Solubility, Ksp
The Reaction Quotient, Q, and Precipitation Reactions

References
1. Petrucci, Ralph H., et al. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall 2007.

Outside Links

Clark, Roy W.; Bonicamp, Judith M. " Solubility and Solubility Products (about J. Chem.
Educ. 1998, 75, 1179-1181 and J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 1182-1185)." J. Chem. Educ.
2000 77 1558.

Euler, William B.; Kirschenbaum, Louis J.; Ruekberg, Ben. "Determination of Ksp,

, and
for the Dissolution of Calcium Hydroxide in Water: A General Chemistry
Experiment ." J. Chem. Educ. 2000 77 1039.
Martin, R. Bruce. "Solubility and Solubility Products (about J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75,
1179-1181 and J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 1182-1185)." J. Chem. Educ. 2000 77 1558.

Contributors

Kathryn Rashe
Lisa Peterson

Source URL: http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Acids_and_Bases/Solubilty/Solubility_Product_Constant%2c_Ksp

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/chem102/

Attributed to: [wikipedia.org]

www.saylor.org
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