Chapter 2: Solubility: A Case Of Equilibrium

List ALL
Basic Questions
Basic Question 1
2.1.2

Know the factors that affect the rate of solids dissolving

Propose two methods for increasing the rate at which salt dissolves in water.
Heating, adding more water.
Basic Question 2
2.1.3

Solubility curves

G, T

Given:

2.1.3

Use the solubility curve to predict the solubility of a salt at a given temperature

G, T

a) What is the solubility of potassium nitrate at 20C? at 50C?

At 20 C, the solubility is 30 g / 100 g of water
At 50 C, the solubility is 81 g / 100 g of water
2.1.3

Use the solubility curve to predict the solubility change as temperature changes

G, T

b) By how much will the solubility of potassium nitrate increase if the temperature is increased
from 20C to 50C?
by 51 g/ 100 g of water
c) What mass of potassium nitrate forms if a saturated solution in 100g of water is cooled from
40C to 10C? From 60C to 20C?
At 10 C, the solubility is 20 g / 100 g of water
2

At 40 C, the solubility is 60 g / 100 g of water

60 20 = 40 g of solid will form in 10g of water
At 20 C, the solubility is 30 g / 100 g of water
At 60 C, the solubility is 104 g / 100 g of water
104 30 = 74 g of solid will form in 10g of water
2.1.3

Use the solubility curve to predict the mass of water needed to dissolve a given m of
solid

G, T

d) What mass of water is needed to dissolve 50g of potassium nitrate at 40C?

At 40 C, the solubility is 60 g / 100 g of water
60 g of solid dissolve in 100g of water
50g of solid dissolve in ?g of water
()()
? = = 83.3 g of water
2.1.3

Use the solubility curve to predict the mass of solid that will dissolve in given m of
water

e) What mass of potassium sulfate will dissolve in 2 kg of water at 20C?

At 20 C, the solubility is 10 g / 100 g of water
10 g of solid dissolve in 100g of water
? g of solid dissolve in 2000g of water
()()
? = = 200 g

G, T

Basic Question 3
2.2

Identify whether a substance is ionic or molecular and how it dissolves in water

a)

Glucose is (molecular / ionic) and it dissolves in water as such:

C6H12O6(s) C6H12O6 (aq)

b)

NaCl is (molecular / ionic) and it dissolves in water as such:

NaCl(s)
Na+(aq) + Cl(aq)

c)

HCl gas is (molecular / ionic) and it dissolves in water as such:

HCl(g)
H+(aq) + Cl(aq)

Basic Question 4
2.2.3

Use solubility rules to predict precipitation reactions

What will be observed if we mix solutions of

a) Ba(NO3)2 and Na2SO4?
A white precipitate of BaSO4 will be formed, that does not dissolve in an acid
Ba(NO3)2 (aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) BaSO4 (s) + 2 NaNO3 (aq)
b) AgNO3 and NaCl?
A white precipitate of AgCl will be formed, which upon exposure to light turns to violet
then black within a matter of minutes.
AgNO3 (aq) + NaCl (aq) AgCl (s) + NaNO3(aq)
c) Ba(NO3)2 and NaCl?
Nothing will happen as the result is all soluble salts.
d) Ca(NO3)2 and Na2CO3?
A white precipitate of CaCO3 will be formed, that dissolves in an acid releasing a gas that
turns lime water milky.
Ca(NO3)2 (aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) CaCO3 (s) + 2 NaNO3 (aq)

Basic Question 5
2.2.3

Use solubility rules to predict identities of precipitates

a) An aqueous solution containing the following ions is prepared: Ag+, Cu+2, Fe+2, and Ca+2.
A few cm3 of a 2M NaBr were added to the solution. A precipitate A was formed. After filtration,
a sulphide solution is added to the remaining solution and a black precipitate B was formed. B is
removed by filtration and 2M sodium carbonate solution is added to the remaining liquid, giving
precipitate C. Identify A, B and C.
A
AgBr , Silver bromide precipitate
BCopper (II) sulphide CuS & Iron (II) sulphide
FeS precipitates
C

Calcium carbonate CaCO3 precipitate

Explanation

2.2.3

Identify reagent to be used to separate a solution of two salts

b) A solution is known to contain Pb(NO3)2 and Mg(NO3)2. It is required to remove the lead (II) ions
from the solution without removing magnesium ions. This can be done by adding just the right
amount of
Explanation
a) NaCl

Pb2+ precipitates as PbCl2 while Mg2+ remains in solution

b) HNO3

Both ions stay in solution

c) NH3

Both ions precipitate as Pb(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2

d) Na2SO4

Pb2+ precipitates as PbSQ4 while Mg2+ remains in solution

e) (NH4)2S

Pb2+ precipitates as PbS while Mg2+ remains in solution

Basic Question 6
2.2.3

Use excess/limiting calculation to find the mass of precipitate formed

The solubility of silver chloride is so low that all but a negligible amount of it is precipitated when
excess sodium chloride solution is added to silver nitrate solution. What would be the weight of the
precipitate formed when 100 ml of 0.50 M NaCl is added to 50.0 ml of 0.100M AgNO3?
Given

R.T.F

[NaCl] = 0.5 M
VNaCl = 100ml
[AgNO3] = 0.100M
VAgNO3 = 50.0ml

mAgCl = ??

NaCl (aq) + AgNO3(aq)

AgCl (s) + NaNO3 (aq)
0.5 M0.100

M
m =?
50.0 ml

100 ml
Sodium chloride is in excess, so AgNO3 is the limiting reagent
AgCl
AgNO3
1 mole
1 mole
0.00500 moles

1 mole
1 x 143.5 g
?????

g
0.7175 g = 0.718 g

Basic Question 7
2.2.4

a)

Identify salts using the results of given tests

A white solid, A, was analyzed. Fill in the inferences and identify A.

Test
A few drops of HCl
solution are added to a
colorless solution of
A:
Add a few drops of
ZnSO4(aq) to a
solution of A

Observation
A gas is released that turns
limewater milky
No change observed

Inference
CO2 gas formed presence of
carbonate (CO32-) or
bicarbonate (HCO3-)
Presence of HCO3-, had CO32been present ZnCO3 white
precipitate would have formed

Perform flame test

Orange flame
Presence of Na+

Solid A is: NaHCO3, sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate)

b)

Two white solids, A and B, were analysed. Complete the table below for each solid.
i)

Add a few drops of NaOH to each solid and heat:

Observation
Solid A: A colorless pungent gas with the
characteristic smell of ammonia gas evolves
that turns wet red litmus blue.

Inference
1) NH3 gas evolves
2) The unknown solid is an ammonium
salt (NH4+)

Solid B: No observation

ii)

Add a few drops of nitric acid to each solid:

Observation
Solid A: No observation

Inference

Solid B: Fizzing/ effervescence. The gas

evolved is colourless and turns lime water
milky.

c)

1) CO2 gas evolves.

2) The unknown solid is a carbonate
(CO32-)

A white solid, X, was analyzed. Fill in the inferences and identify X.

1. Test
A few drops of
Ba(NO3)2 are added to
a colorless solution of
X followed by HCl(aq)
Add a few drops of
NaOH(aq) to a
solution of X followed
by excess base
Add a few drops of
NH3(aq) to a solution
of X followed by
excess base

2. Observation
A white precipitate forms
insoluble in acid

3. Inference
Presence of SO42- ions

A white precipitate forms

soluble in excess base

Presence of Al3+ or Zn2+

A white precipitate forms

soluble in excess base

Presence of Zn2+

Solid X is: ZnSO4, zinc sulfate

d)

A white solid, Y, was analyzed. Fill in the inferences and identify Y.

Test
A few drops of
AgNO3 are added to a
colorless solution of Y
followed by HNO3 (aq)
Add a few drops of
NaOH(aq) to a
solution of Y followed
by excess base
Add a few drops of
H2SO4(aq) to a
solution of Y

Observation
A yellow precipitate forms
insoluble in acid

Inference
Presence of I- ions

A white precipitate forms

insoluble in excess base

Presence of Ca+2

A white precipitate forms

Presence of Ca2+

Solid Y is: CaI2, calcium iodide

e)

A blue solid, B, was analyzed. Fill in the inferences and identify B.

Test
Add a few pieces of
Al foil and 2ml of
NaOH(aq) to a blue
solution of B
Warm gently.
Add a few drops of
NaOH(aq) to a
solution of Y followed
by excess base
Add a few drops of
NH3(aq) to a solution
of Y followed by
excess base

Observation
Inference
Al foil darkens and slowly
dissolves. Bubbles of a gas
The gas is ammonia, NH3, gas
evolve and this gas turns wet Presence of NO3- ions
red litmus paper into blue
A blue precipitate forms
insoluble in excess base
A blue precipitate forms that
dissolves in excess base to
form a deep blue solution.

Solid B is: Cu(NO3)2, copper (II) nitrate

Presence of Cu+2

Presence of Cu2+

f)

A light grayish-green solution, C, was analyzed. Fill in the inferences and identify C.
Test
A few drops of
AgNO3 are added to
2ml of the solution of
followed by HNO3 (aq)
Add a few drops of
NaOH(aq) to 2ml of
the solution followed
by excess base
Add a few drops of
NH3(aq) to 2ml of the
solution

Observation
A white precipitate forms
insoluble in acid

Inference
Presence of Cl- ions

A dirty green precipitate

forms insoluble in excess
base

Presence of Fe+2

A dirty green precipitate

forms insoluble in excess
base

Presence of Fe+2

Solid C is: FeCl2, iron (II) chloride

g)

A yellowish solution, D, was analyzed. Fill in the inferences and identify D.

Test
A few drops of
AgNO3 are added to
2ml of the solution of
followed by HNO3 (aq)
Add a few drops of
NaOH(aq) to 2ml of
the solution followed
by excess base
Add a few drops of
NH3(aq) to 2ml of the
solution

Observation
A creamy precipitate forms
insoluble in acid

Inference
Presence of Br- ions

A rusty brown precipitate

forms insoluble in excess
base

Presence of Fe+3

A rusty brown precipitate

forms insoluble in excess
base

Presence of Fe+3

Solid D is: FeBr3, iron (III) bromide

Basic Question 8
2.3

Know the mathematical relation between Ksp of a given and its solubility

a) It is required to calculate the solubility of CuCl(s) in water in terms of the Ksp

CuCl(s)
---s

Initial concentrations
Part that dissolves
Equilibrium concentration

Cu+(aq)
0.0 M
+s
s

Cl(aq)
0.0 M
+s
s

Ksp = [Cu+][Cl-] = s2
Solubility = s=
b) It is required to calculate the solubility of PbCl2 (s) in water in terms of the Ksp

Initial concentrations
Part that dissolves
Equilibrium concentration

PbCl2 (s)
---s

Pb2+(aq)
0.0 M
+s
s

2 Cl (aq)
0.0 M
+2 s
2s

Ksp = [Pb2+][Cl-]2 = s (2 s )2 = 4 s 3

Solubility = s =

c) It is required to calculate the solubility of FeCl3 (s) in water in terms of the Ksp

Initial concentrations
Part that dissolves
Equilibrium concentration

FeCl3 (s)
---s

Ksp = [Fe3+][Cl-]3 = s (3 s )3 = 27 s 4

Solubility = s =

10

Fe 3+(aq)
0.0 M
+s
s

3 Cl (aq)
0.0 M
+3 s
3s

Basic Question 9
2.3.1

Calculate the solubility of a given salt from its Ksp

Calculate the solubility of SrCrO4 in water knowing that the Ksp = 3.6 105.
[Hint: notice that 3.6 105 = 36 106] (Numbers will always be easy to use)
Given

R.T.F

Ksp = 3.6 105

solubility of SrCrO4

Initial concentrations
Part that dissolves
Equilibrium concentration

SrCrO4 (s)
---s

Sr+2(aq)
0.0 M
+s
s

CrO42(aq)
0.0 M
+s
s

Ksp = [Sr+2][CrO4-2] = s2
s = = 6.0 10-3M

36 106 = s2

Basic Question 10
2.3.2

Predict whether a ppt will form when two solutions are mixed given [salts], V of
solutions and Ksp

a) 0.0010 mole HCl and 1.0 106 mole of Pb(NO3)2 are mixed forming 2.0 liter solution . Will a
precipitate form? For PbCl2 Ksp = 1.3 108.
Given

R.T.F

nHCl = 0.0010 mole

() = 1.0 106 mole
Vsolution = 2.0 L
Ksp = 1.3 108

will PbCl2 ppt form?

PbCl2(s) Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)

Step 1: Write the reaction

Step 2: Calculate the [Pb2+] and [Cl-]

[Pb2+] = =

[Cl-] = =

.
.
.

= 5.0 10-7M

= 5.0 10-4M
11

Step 3: Calculate the mass action expression

Q = [Pb2+][Cl-]2 = (5.0 10-7)( 5.0 10-4)2 = 1.25 10-13
Step 4: Compare Q and Ksp
Q < Ksp, no precipitate will form
b) Equal volumes of 0.020 M CaCl2 and 0.00040 M Na2SO4 are mixed. Will a precipitate form?
Given

R.T.F

[CaCl2] = 0.020 M, V
[Na2SO4] = 4.0 104 M, V
Vtotal = 2V
Ksp = 2.4 104

Will CaSO4 ppt form?

CaSO4(s) Ca2+(aq) + SO4-2(aq)

Step 1: Write the reaction

Step 2: Find the concentration of each ion in the final mixture.

Mixing equal volumes halves concentration
CaCl2 (aq) Ca2+(aq) + 2 Cl- (aq)
1

0.010 M

1
0.010 M

Na2SO4(aq) 2 Na+(aq) + SO42-(aq)

1
0.020 M

0.00020 M

[Ca+2] = 0.010 M = 1.0 102 M

[SO42-] = 0.00020 M = 2.0 104 M
Step 3: Calculate the mass action expression
Q = [Ca+2][ SO42-] = (1.0 102) (2.0 104) = 2.0 106
Step 4: Compare Q and Ksp
Q < Ksp , so precipitation will not occur.

12

0.00040 M

1
0.00020 M

c) To 200cm3 of 0.10 M HCl is added 300cm3 of 0.20M Pb(NO3)2. Will a precipitate form?
Given

R.T.F

[HCl] = 0.10 M
VHCl = 200cm3
[Pb(NO3)2] = 0.20 M
() = 300 cm3,
Ksp = 1.3 108

Will PbCl2 ppt form?

Step 1: Write the reaction

PbCl2(s) Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)

Step 2: Calculate the [Pb2+] and [Cl-]

HCl =

Cold Vold 0.10 200

=
= 0.040M
Vtotal
500
+

HCl (aq) H (aq) + Cl (aq)

Pb(NO3 )2 =

Pb(NO3)2(aq) Pb2+(aq) + 2 NO3-(aq)

1

0.040 M

1
0.12 M

0.040 M

Cold Vold 0.20 300

=
= 0.12M
Vtotal
500

0.040 M

Step 3: Calculate the mass action expression

Q = [Pb2+][Cl-]2 = (0.12)( 0.040)2 = 1.92 10-4
Step 4: Compare Q and Ksp
Q > Ksp, a precipitate will form

13

0.12 M

0.24 M

Sample Questions
In all multiple choice questions, more than one answer could be correct
2.1 Solubility: A Case of Equilibrium
2.1.1 The solubility of iodine in ethyl alcohol
Sample Question 1
The concentration of a solute at equilibrium is called its solubility
Which of the following about the solubility of a solute in a solvent is correct?
a) It is the concentration of a solute in any solution.
b) It is the constant concentration reached of a solute in a solution when some solute is still
in contact with the solution at a fixed temperature.
c) It can be measured in grams of solute per liter of solution.
d) It can be measured in moles of solute per liter of solution.
e) It can be measured in moles of solute per gram of solvent.
Sample Question 2
Write the law of equilibrium for a solute in a solution
Consider the solubility reaction: A2(s) A2 (aq).
The law of equilibrium for the above is usually written as
a) Q = [A2(aq)]
b) [A2(aq)]
c) K = [A2 (aq)]
d) K = [A2(aq)] / [A2(s)]
e) K = [A2(aq)]2/ [A2(s)]2
f) [A2(aq)]2 = [A2(s)]2
g) [A2(aq)] = [A2(s)]

14

2.1.2 The dynamic nature of solubility equilibrium

Rate of dissolving
Rate of precipitation
The dynamic nature of equilibrium
Sample Question 3
The law of equilibrium for a solid dissolved in a liquid
A is the area of contact between solid and liquid. Which is true about the law of equilibrium for a solid
dissolving in a liquid?
a) K = [A]
b) K = kp.A
c) K = A.[S(in solution)]
d) K = [S(in solution)]
e) K = the solubility, [I2] of the solid in the solvent
2.1.3 Factors that fix the solubility of a solid
The effect of tendency towards maximum randomness
Sample Question 4
Effect of tendency toward maximum randomness on solubility of a solid
A solid substance X is in equilibrium with a solution. The tendency towards more randomness
a) pushes the solution to have a higher temperature.
b) pushes the solid to crystallize.
c) pushes the solid to dissolve.
d) increases the attraction of solid particles to each other.
e) pushes more solid particles to leave the solid into the liquid phase.
The effect of tendency towards minimum potential energy
Sample Question 5
Effect of tendency toward minimum energy on solubility of a solid
The process of solid iodine dissolving in alcohol is endothermic. Which of the following is true?
a) Dissolved iodine is at a lower potential energy.
b) Dissolved iodine has higher heat content.
c) Tendency towards minimum energy favors dissolving.
d) Tendency towards minimum energy favors precipitation.
e) If crystals of iodine are added to a tube containing pure alcohol and shaken, the
temperature goes down.

15

The effect of raising the temperature

Sample Question 6
Effect of raising the temperature on solubility of a solid
A certain solid dissolves in water, and the system is at equilibrium. In general, if you raise the
temperature, you expect
a) more solid to dissolve.
b) some dissolved solid to precipitate.
c) equilibrium to be reached faster, but the equilibrium concentration remains unchanged.
d) equilibrium to be reached after a longer time, but the equilibrium concentration remains
unchanged.
e) tendency towards randomness increases.
Effect of the heat of solution on dissolving
Sample Question 7
Solid dissolving in liquid: the more endothermic the lower the solubility
Experiment shows that heat is absorbed as iodine dissolves in either alcohol or CCl4.
I2(s) + 6.7 kJ I2(in alcohol)
I2(s) + 23.8 kJ I2(in CCl4)
Which of 1 to 5 are correct?
1. Randomness favors dissolving equally
2. Minimum energy favors the I2(s), in both cases
3. Minimum energy favors I2(s) more in the case of CCl4 than in the case of alcohol
4. Less iodine will dissolve in CCl4 than in alcohol.
5. A large energy difference between solid and solution lowers solubility

T/F
T/F
T/F
T/F
T/F

Solubility curves
2.1.4 Solubility of a gas in a liquid
The effect of tendency towards maximum randomness
Sample Question 8
Effect of tendency toward maximum randomness on solubility of a gas
Oxygen gas dissolves in water. Which of the following is true?
a) Dissolved oxygen is in a more random state than gaseous oxygen.
b) Dissolved oxygen is in a more ordered state than gaseous oxygen.
c) Tendency towards maximum randomness favors dissolving.
d) Tendency towards maximum randomness favors gas leaving the liquid.
e) At equilibrium, the tendency towards maximum randomness equally favors the gaseous state
and the dissolved state of a gas.

16

The effect of tendency towards minimum potential energy

Sample Question 9
Effect of tendency toward minimum energy on the solubility of a gas
Oxygen gas dissolves in water. Which of the following is true?
a) Dissolved oxygen molecules are attracted to water molecules.
b) Dissolved oxygen molecules are at a state of lower potential energy.
c) Tendency towards minimum energy favors dissolving.
d) When a gas dissolves in a liquid, usually heat is evolved.
e) At equilibrium, the tendency towards minimum energy equally favors the gaseous state and the
dissolved state.
Sample Question 10
Effect of tendency toward minimum energy and maximum randomness have opposite
directions in solids and gases
Oxygen gas dissolves in water. Sugar dissolves in water. Which of the following is true?
a) Tendency towards minimum energy favors dissolving of sugar and dissolving of oxygen.
b) Tendency towards minimum energy favors dissolving of sugar and oxygen leaving the
solution.
c) Tendency towards minimum energy favors dissolving of oxygen and sugar crystallizing
out of the liquid.
d) Tendency towards maximum randomness favors dissolving of oxygen and sugar crystallizing
out of the liquid.
e) Tendency towards maximum randomness favors oxygen leaving the solution and sugar
dissolving.
f) In each case, tendency towards maximum randomness and tendency towards minimum
energy oppose each other.
Sample Question 11
Gas releasing more energy upon dissolving has higher solubility
The heats of solution for oxygen and N2O are given below:
O2(g) O2(aq) + 12.5 kJ/mole O2
N2O(g) N2O(aq) + 20.0 kJ/mole N2O
Can we predict which gas has the higher solubility in water? (Assume the randomness factor to be
about the same.)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Yes, oxygen gas.

Yes, N2O(g).
No, because solubility is not related to energy released.
No, because we cannot tell which substance is more attracted to water molecules.
Yes, because oxygen has smaller molecules.
Yes, but only if we are given the heats of vaporization of each substance.
17

The effect of raising the temperature

The effect of changing the partial pressure of the gas
Sample Question 12
Effect of changing partial pressure of a gas in equilibrium with its liquid solution
It is required to dissolve a certain amount of carbon dioxide gas in water. The best way to do this is
a) heat the water.
b) increase the partial pressure of the oxygen and nitrogen (air) above the water.
c) increase the partial pressure of CO2(g) while heating the water.
d) increase the partial pressure of CO2(g) while cooling the water.
e) waiting a long time so more CO2(g) will dissolve.
2.2 Aqueous Solutions
Sample Question 13
Salt (NaCl) is an ionic solid that dissolves in water to give Na+(aq) Cl(aq) ions
Which is true about table salt, NaCl(s)? Solid salt
a) is made of molecules.
b) is made of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrical forces.
c) dissolves in water to give aqueous positive and negative ions.
d) dissolves in water to give aqueous hydrated molecules.
e) dissolves in water to give a solution that conducts electricity.
Sample Question 14
HCl is a molecular gas that dissolves in water to give H+(aq) Cl(aq) ions
Which is true about hydrogen chloride, HCl(g)? Gaseous HCl
a) is made of molecules.
b) is made of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrical forces.
c) dissolves in water to give aqueous positive and negative ions.
d) dissolves in water to give aqueous molecules.
e) dissolves in water to give a solution that conducts electricity.
Sample Question 15
Electrolytes: Their aqueous solution conducts electricity due to presence of ions
Which is true about an electrolyte?
a) Its aqueous solution conducts electricity due to ions.
b) When its aqueous solution conducts electricity positive ions move in one direction and
negative ions move in the opposite direction.
c) It is itself made up of ions.
d) Its aqueous solution contain ions.
18

e) It conducts an electric current.

f) It dissolves in water to give molecules that conduct electricity.
g) It is a metal.
2.2.1

Types of compounds that are electrolytes

Sample Question 16
How ions in an electrolytic solution can arise
Which of the following three sentences about electrolytic solutions is/are true?
a) Ions in an electrolytic solution may have been present as ions in the pure solute and the water
pulls them apart, as in: HCl(g) + water H+(aq) + Cl(aq)
b) Ions in an electrolytic solution come from a solute made up of molecules that are broken up
into ions by the water, as in: H2SO4(l) + water H+(aq) + HSO4 (aq)
c) Ions in an electrolytic solution come from a solute containing ions that are split by water
into more ions, as in: HSO4 (aq) H+(aq) + SO42 (aq)
Sample Question 17
Properties of ions as compared to the properties of their source
However they are formed, and from whatever source,
a) Aqueous ions are individual species with properties not possessed by the materials from
which they came.
b) The properties of a particular kind of ion are independent of the source.
c) Chloride ions from sodium chloride, NaCl(s), have the same properties as chloride ions in
an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, HCl.
d) Chloride ions from NaCl in an aqueous solution cannot be distinguished from chloride
ions from HCl.
Sample Question 18
A metal reacts with a nonmetal to form an ionic compound
Which of the following is true?
a) a metal tends to react by losing one or more electrons to form a positively charged ion.
b) a nonmetal tends to gain one or more electrons to form a negatively charged ion.
c) a metal like sodium reacts with a nonmetal like chlorine to form ionic NaCl(s).

19

Sample Question 19
Where metals and nonmetals are located in the periodic table
Which is true about the location of metals and nonmetals in the periodic table?
a) A metal tends be found on the left part of the periodic table.
b) A nonmetal tends be found on the right part of the periodic table.
c) Elements to the bottom left of the periodic table are nonmetals.
2.2.2

A qualitative view of aqueous features of solubilities

Sample Question 20
Know what cations and anions are
Which is/are true about anions and cations (respectively)?
a) Anions are positive ions and cations are negative ions.
b) Cations are positive ions and anions are negative ions.
c) A conducting solution has both cations and anions and it is electrically neutral.
Sample Question 21
Know the meaning of soluble
What is meant by soluble?
It means a substance that dissolves to a concentration exceeding one-tenth of a mole per liter (0.1
M) at room temperature.
Sample Question 22
Know that salts of ions of Group 1, NH4+ , nitrates and acetates are soluble
Which is/are true ions of elements of Group 1, all nitrates and all acetates?
a) All their salts are soluble in water.
b) All their salts give positive and negative ions in water.
c) Only NH4+ ions form insoluble salts.
Sample Question 23
Hydroxides, oxides, phosphates, sulfites and carbonates are insoluble
[except for the ions of rule 1]
Which of the following is insoluble?
a) Ba(OH)2
b) CuO
c) K2CO3
d) Ag2SO3
20

e) Ca3(PO4)2
Sample Question 24
Sulfates are soluble except Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+ and Ca2+
Which of the following is insoluble?
a) SrSO4
b) MgSO4
c) BaSO4
d) PbSO4
e) K2SO4
Sample Question 25
Chlorides, bromides and iodides are soluble except Ag+, Cu+ and Pb2+
Which of the following is insoluble?
a) CaCl2
b) AgBr
c) NaI
d) PbCl2
e) K2I
Sample Question 26
Sulfides (S2) are insoluble [except for rule 1 & Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+]
Which of the following is insoluble?
a) CaS
b) Ag2S
c) BaS
d) FeS
e) MgS
f) PbS
2.2.3 Using qualitative rules to predict the formation of a precipitate
2.2.4 Testing for some common ions
Sample Question 27
Test for Cl, Br, I
To test for the ions Cl, Br or I in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of:
a) Ammonium nitrate solution. If Cl ions are present, a white precipitate forms; if Br ions are
present, a cream-colored precipitate forms; if I ions are present, a yellow precipitate forms.

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b) Barium nitrate solution. If Cl ions are present, a white precipitate forms; if Br ions are present, a
cream-colored precipitate forms; if I ions are present, a yellow precipitate forms.
c) Silver nitrate solution with a few drops of nitric acid. If Cl ions are present, a white
precipitate forms; if Br ions are present, a cream-colored precipitate forms; if I ions are
present, a yellow precipitate forms.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Cl ions are present, a yellow precipitate forms; if Br ions are
present, a cream-colored precipitate forms; if I ions are present, a white precipitate forms.
e) Nitric acid. If Cl ions are present, a white precipitate forms; if Br ions are present, a creamcolored precipitate forms; if I ions are present, a yellow precipitate forms.
Sample Question 28
Test for SO42
To test for the ion SO42 in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct? To an aqueous
sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Ammonium nitrate solution. If SO42 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
b) Barium nitrate solution. If SO42 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this
precipitate will not dissolve in HCl.
c) Barium nitrate solution. If SO42 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
dissolve in HCl.
d) Barium sulfate. If SO42 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
dissolve in HCl.
e) Silver chloride solution with a few drops of nitric acid. If SO42 ions are present, a cream-colored
precipitate forms.
Sample Question 29
Test for CO32
To test for the ion CO32 in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Calcium chloride solution. If CO32 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
b) Barium nitrate solution. If CO32 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
not dissolve in HCl.
c) Barium sulfate. If CO32 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
dissolve in HCl.
d) Nitric acid. If CO32 ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn lime water
milky.
e) Nitric acid. If CO32 ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn wet red litmus
paper to blue.

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Sample Question 30
Test for NO3
To test for the ion NO3 in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To a sample of the solid or solution to be tested add a few drops of
a) Calcium chloride solution. If NO3 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
b) Barium nitrate solution. If NO3 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
c) Barium sulfate. If NO3 ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
dissolve in HCl.
d) Nitric acid. If NO3 ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn lime water
milky.
e) Sodium hydroxide solution. Then add some aluminum powder and warm gently if NO3 ions
are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn red litmus paper into blue.
Sample Question 31
Test for Ca2+
To test for the ion Ca2+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Sodium carbonate solution. If Ca2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this
precipitate will dissolve in HCl.
b) Nitric acid. If Ca2+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn lime water milky.
c) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Ca2+ ions are present, a white precipitate is formed that does
not dissolve in excess of solution.
d) Nitric acid. If Ca2+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn blue litmus paper
to red.
e) Place a sample in a blue flame. If Ca+2 ions are present, the flame turns brick red.
Sample Question 32
Test for Zn2+
To test for the ion Zn2+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Calcium chloride solution. If Zn2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
b) Barium nitrate solution. If Zn2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
not dissolve in HNO3.
c) Nitric acid. If Zn2+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn lime water milky.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Zn2+ ions are present, a white precipitate is formed that
dissolves in excess of solution.
e) Ammonia solution. If Zn2+ ions are present, a white precipitate is formed that dissolves in
excess of solution.

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Sample Question 33
Test for Cu2+
To test for the ion Cu2+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Hydrogen chloride solution. If Cu2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HNO3. This precipitate will dissolve if the water is boiled but will reappear if it
is cooled again.
b) Sodium carbonate solution. If Cu2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will dissolve in HCl.
c) Sodium sulfate solution. If Cu2+ ions are present, a dirty green precipitate forms and this
precipitate will not dissolve in HCl.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Cu2+ ions are present, a pale blue precipitate forms, that does
not dissolve in excess of solution.
e) Ammonia solution. If Cu2+ ions are present, a pale blue precipitate forms, that dissolves in
excess solution to form a deep blue solution.
Sample Question 34
Test for Fe2+
To test for the ion Fe2+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Barium nitrate solution. If Fe2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate will
not dissolve in HCl.
b) Sodium carbonate solution. If Fe2+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will dissolve in HCl.
c) Sodium sulfate solution. If Fe2+ ions are present, a dirty green precipitate forms and this
precipitate will not dissolve in HCl.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Fe2+ ions are present, a dirty green precipitate forms that
does not dissolve in excess solution.
e) Ammonia solution. If Fe2+ ions are present, a reddish-brown precipitate forms that does not
dissolve in excess solution.
Sample Question 35
Test for Fe3+
To test for the ion Fe3+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Sodium carbonate solution. If Fe3+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will dissolve in HNO3.
b) Sodium sulfate solution. If Fe3+ ions are present, a dirty green precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
c) Nitric acid. If Fe3+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn lime water milky.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Fe3+ ions are present, a rusty brown precipitate forms, that
does not dissolve in excess solution.
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Sample Question 36
Test for Al3+
To test for the ion Al3+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To an aqueous sample of the solid to be tested add a few drops of
a) Ammonium nitrate solution. If Al3+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms and this precipitate
will not dissolve in HCl.
b) ammonia solution. If Al3+ ions are present, a white gelatinous precipitate forms which dissolves in
excess base.
c) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Al3+ ions are present, a dirty green precipitate forms and this
precipitate will not dissolve in HCl.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If Al3+ ions are present, a white gelatinous precipitate forms that
dissolves in excess solution.
Sample Question 37
Test for NH4+
To test for the ion NH4+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
To a sample of the solid or solution to be tested add a few drops of
a) Hydrochloric acid. If NH4+ ions are present, a jelly-like white precipitate forms which will not
disappear in HNO3.
b) Sodium hydroxide solution. If NH4+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved and this gas turns
red litmus to blue.
c) Sodium carbonate solution. If NH4+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved and this gas turns blue
litmus to red.
d) Sodium hydroxide solution. If NH4+ ions are present, a dirty green precipitate forms and this
precipitate will not dissolve in HCl.
e) Nitric acid. If NH4+ ions are present, a gas will be evolved, and this gas will turn lime water milky.
Sample Question 38
Test for Li+, Na+, K+
To test for the ions Li+, Na+ or K+ in an aqueous solution, which of the following is correct?
a) To a sample of the solid or solution to be tested add a few drops of ammonium nitrate solution. If
Na+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms; if K+ ions are present, a cream-colored precipitate
forms.
b) To a sample of the solid or solution to be tested add a few drops of barium nitrate solution. If Na+
ions are present, a colorless gas forms; if K+ ions are present, a yellow precipitate forms.
c) To a sample of the solid or solution to be tested add a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution. If
K+ ions are present, a bright yellow precipitate forms; if Na+ ions are present, a white precipitate
forms, no precipitate forms with Li+.
d) Place a sample in a blue flame. If Li+ ions are present, the flame turns red, if Na+ ions are
present, the flame turns yellow/orange; if K+ ions are present, the flame turns lilac-violet.
e) Place a sample in a blue flame. If K+ ions are present, a white precipitate forms; if Na+ ions are
present, a cream-colored precipitate forms, if Li+ ions are present, a yellow precipitate forms.

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2.3 The Equilibrium Law

Sample Question 39
Law of equilibrium for the solubility of lead chloride
Lead chloride dissolves in water according to the equation: PbCl2(s) Pb+2(aq) + 2Cl(aq)
The law of equilibrium is
a) Ksp = [Pb+2][Cl]2
b) Ksp = [Pb+2]2 [Cl]
c) Ksp = [Pb+2]2 [Cl] / [PbCl2]
d) Ksp = [PbCl2] / [Pb+2][Cl]
e) Ksp = [PbCl2]2 / [Pb+2]2[Cl]
Sample Question 40
Recognize from the Ksp the least soluble salt
By studying the table, out of the five choices given in parts (a) to (e), choose the salt that is least
soluble in water.
Salt
TlCl
SrCrO4
CaSO4

Ksp
1.9 10-4
3.6 10-5
2.4 10-4

Salt
CuCl
BaCrO4
BaSO4

Ksp
3.2 10-7
8.5 10-11
1.5 10-9

(Least soluble in water means lowest or smallest K sp value)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

PbSO4
BaSO4
AgCl
CaSO4
PbCrO4

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Salt
AgCl
PbCrO4
PbSO4

Ksp
1.7 10-10
2 10-16
1.3 10-8

Sample Question 41
Recognize from the Ksp the most soluble salt
By studying the table, out of the five choices given in parts (a) to (e), choose the salt that is most
soluble in water.
Salt
TlCl
SrCrO4
CaSO4

Ksp
1.9 10-4
3.6 10-5
2.4 10-4

Salt
CuCl
BaCrO4
BaSO4

Ksp
3.2 10-7
8.5 10-11
1.5 10-9

Salt
AgCl
PbCrO4
PbSO4

Ksp
1.7 10-10
2 10-16
1.3 10-8

(Most soluble in water means highest or largest K sp value)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

PbSO4
BaSO4
AgCl
CaSO4
PbCrO4

2.3.1 Calculation of the solubility of cuprous chloride in water

2.3.2 Will a precipitate form?
2.3.3 Precipitations used for separations
Sample Question 42
Identify salt mixtures that can be separated by adding water, stirring and filtering
Which mixture can be separated by adding water, stirring and filtering?
a) BaCl2, and NaCl
b) CaCO3 and NaCl
c) Cu and Mg
d) C2H5OH and CH3COOH
e) Salt and water

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