Chapter 7: Problem 21
Discuss the interpretation of the observation that magnesium oxide is more soluble in aqueous magnesium chloride than in pure water.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Magnesium oxide is more soluble in aqueous MgCl鈧 due to common ion effects and complex formation with additional Mg虏鈦 ions.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Solubility Concepts
Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a compound that shows limited solubility in water, which is a common solvent.
02
Consider the Common Ion Effect
The common ion effect occurs when the presence of an ion common to a dissolved substance decreases its solubility. In water, MgO dissociates to form Mg虏鈦 and O虏鈦 ions. In aqueous magnesium chloride (MgCl鈧), extra Mg虏鈦 ions are already present.
03
Analyze Chemical Equilibrium
In pure water, the dissolution of MgO typically reaches an equilibrium: \[ \text{MgO (s)} \rightleftharpoons \text{Mg}^{2+} (aq) + \text{O}^{2-} (aq) \]. However, in a MgCl鈧 solution, the increased concentration of Mg虏鈦 shifts the equilibrium according to Le Chatelier's principle, potentially affecting solubility.
04
Evaluate the Solvation Dynamics
MgO dissolving in MgCl鈧 could be partially explained by aggregation of O虏鈦 ions with Mg虏鈦, forming complexes that are less likely to precipitate than MgO alone, increasing the apparent solubility.
05
Formulate Conclusion
Increased solubility of MgO in MgCl鈧 is likely due to more Mg虏鈦 influencing equilibrium dynamics and complex formation leading to more MgO dissolution than in pure water.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Ion Effect
The common ion effect is a fundamental concept in chemistry that can alter the solubility of substances. When a solution containing a common ion is mixed with a solute, the solubility of the solute can decrease. This happens because the dissolved ions of the solute and the common ions from the solution together create an environment that feels saturated quickly.
In the case of magnesium oxide dissolving in water or magnesium chloride (MgCl鈧) solution, the common ion effect plays a major role. Magnesium oxide dissociates into magnesium ions (Mg虏鈦) and oxide ions (O虏鈦), and when MgCl鈧 is added, it already contains Mg虏鈦 ions. The presence of these additional Mg虏鈦 ions causes the solubility of MgO to change.
In the case of magnesium oxide dissolving in water or magnesium chloride (MgCl鈧) solution, the common ion effect plays a major role. Magnesium oxide dissociates into magnesium ions (Mg虏鈦) and oxide ions (O虏鈦), and when MgCl鈧 is added, it already contains Mg虏鈦 ions. The presence of these additional Mg虏鈦 ions causes the solubility of MgO to change.
- The added magnesium ions heighten the Mg虏鈦 concentration in the solution.
- This increased concentration discourages additional MgO dissolution due to the common ion effect.
Chemical Equilibrium
Chemical equilibrium involves a balance of competing reactions; it occurs when the rate of dissolution equals the rate of precipitation. In our scenario of MgO in water, equilibrium is established via the reaction: \[ \text{MgO (s)} \rightleftharpoons \text{Mg}^{2+} (aq) + \text{O}^{2-} (aq) \].
This equilibrium can be disrupted or adjusted when external factors such as concentration, pressure, or temperature change.
This equilibrium can be disrupted or adjusted when external factors such as concentration, pressure, or temperature change.
- When extra Mg虏鈦 ions are introduced from MgCl鈧, it disrupts this balance.
- The equilibrium might seem to shift towards forming more solids, yet increased dissolution is observed here due to other principles at play.
Le Chatelier鈥檚 Principle
Le Chatelier's Principle provides insight into how systems at equilibrium respond to external changes. According to this principle, if a stress (such as concentration change) is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond by adjusting the equilibrium balance to counteract the stress.
In the presence of increased Mg虏鈦 ions due to MgCl鈧, traditionally you would expect a reduction in solubility. However, in our scenario:
In the presence of increased Mg虏鈦 ions due to MgCl鈧, traditionally you would expect a reduction in solubility. However, in our scenario:
- The principle suggests the system might adapt to lessen the concentration of the additional ions.
- This could cause more MgO to dissolve as the system seeks a new state of balance.
Solvation Dynamics
Solvation dynamics explores how molecules or ions become surrounded and stabilized by solvent molecules. This offers a deeper explanation for the MgO solubility in MgCl鈧 solution. As MgO dissolves, Mg虏鈦 and O虏鈦 ions interact with surrounding water molecules. But more importantly, they can form complex pairs themselves:
Thus, understanding solvation dynamics enhances comprehension of how complex ion interactions and solvent properties lead to shifts in apparent solubility and reaction outcomes.
- These ion pairs or complexes can have different properties from the unattached ions.
- By forming these stable complexes, they can be less likely to precipitate than their individual counterparts.
Thus, understanding solvation dynamics enhances comprehension of how complex ion interactions and solvent properties lead to shifts in apparent solubility and reaction outcomes.