Chapter 4: Problem 3
Explain the terms soluble and insoluble. Use the solubility rules to write the formula of an insoluble ionic compound.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Soluble compounds dissolve in solvents; insoluble compounds do not. Lead chloride ( ext{PbCl}_2) is insoluble.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Solubility
Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent. A compound is soluble if it dissolves in the solvent, forming a homogenous mixture at the molecular level. Conversely, a compound is insoluble if it does not dissolve, resulting in a heterogeneous mixture with distinct phases.
02
Reviewing Solubility Rules
Solubility rules are guidelines that help predict whether an ionic compound will dissolve in water. Some general rules include: most nitrate ( ext{NO}_3^-) salts are soluble, most salts containing alkali metal ions ( ext{Li}^+, ext{Na}^+, ext{K}^+, etc.) and the ammonium ion ( ext{NH}_4^+) are soluble, and most chloride ( ext{Cl}^-), bromide ( ext{Br}^-), and iodide ( ext{I}^-) salts are soluble except those of silver ( ext{Ag}^+), lead ( ext{Pb}^{2+}), and mercury ( ext{Hg}_2^{2+}).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Soluble Compounds
Soluble compounds are substances that have the ability to dissolve in a solvent, such as water, forming a uniform solution. When you add a soluble compound to a solvent, it disperses evenly at the molecular level. This property is vital for many everyday processes, like making a cup of tea or a bath with dissolved salts.
- Solubility can depend on various factors like temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solvent.
- For example, stirring sugar into warm water will allow it to dissolve more quickly than in cold water.
Insoluble Compounds
Insoluble compounds are substances that do not dissolve in a solvent, leading to a mixture where the compound and solvent remain separate. Rather than forming a clear solution, they may result in a suspension or simply settle at the bottom of the container.
- An example of an insoluble compound is sand in water. No matter how much you stir, the sand remains at the bottom.
- Insoluble compounds can form precipitates in chemical reactions, which are helpful in identifying certain types of ions in a solution.
Solubility Rules
Solubility rules are a set of general guidelines that help predict whether an ionic compound will dissolve in water. These rules are immensely useful in chemistry for determining the solubility of a compound in a given situation.
Some key solubility rules include:
Some key solubility rules include:
- Most nitrate \((\text{NO}_3^- )\) salts are soluble.
- Salts containing alkali metal ions \((\text{Li}^+, \text{Na}^+, \text{K}^+)\) and the ammonium ion \((\text{NH}_4^+)\) are generally soluble.
- Chloride \((\text{Cl}^-)\), bromide \((\text{Br}^-)\), and iodide \((\text{I}^-)\) salts are typically soluble, except when combined with silver \((\text{Ag}^+)\), lead \((\text{Pb}^{2+})\), and mercury \((\text{Hg}_2^{2+})\).
Ionic Compounds
Ionic compounds are chemical compounds composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding. These compounds are typically composed of a metal and a non-metal. Ionic compounds are prevalent in both nature and industry.
- When dissolved in water, ionic compounds dissociate into their respective ions. For example, NaCl dissolves into \(\text{Na}^+\) and \(\text{Cl}^-\).
- They can conduct electricity when dissolved or melted, as the ions are free to move.