Chapter 17: Problem 50
The hydroxide ion concentration in a saturated solution of iron(III) hydroxide, \(\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{OH})_{3}\), is \(2.2 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{M}\). Calculate the value for the equilibrium constant.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equilibrium constant \( K_{sp} \) is \( 7.51 \times 10^{-40} \).
Step by step solution
01
Write the Dissolution Reaction
The dissolution of iron(III) hydroxide can be expressed by the equation: \[ \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3 (s)} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Fe^{3+} (aq)} + 3\mathrm{OH^- (aq)} \] This shows that one formula unit of \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3} \) dissociates into one iron(III) ion and three hydroxide ions in solution.
02
Define the Equilibrium Expression
The expression for the solubility product constant \( K_{sp} \) is given by: \[ K_{sp} = [\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}][\mathrm{OH^-}]^3 \] Here, \([\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}]\) and \([\mathrm{OH^-}]\) are the molar concentrations of the ions in a saturated solution.
03
Relate Ion Concentrations
Since each formula unit of \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3 (s)} \) produces 1 \( \mathrm{Fe^{3+}} \) ion and 3 \( \mathrm{OH^-} \) ions, if \([\mathrm{OH^-}] = 2.2 \times 10^{-10} \) M, then \([\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}] = \frac{1}{3} \times 2.2 \times 10^{-10} = x\).
04
Calculate Fe(III) Ion Concentration
Substituting the stoichiometric relationship into \([\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}] = x\), we get \(x = \frac{1}{3} \times 2.2 \times 10^{-10} = 7.33 \times 10^{-11} \) M.
05
Substitute into the Equilibrium Expression
Using the relation from the equilibrium expression \( K_{sp} = [\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}][\mathrm{OH^-}]^3\), substitute \([\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}] = 7.33 \times 10^{-11} \) M and \([\mathrm{OH^-}] = 2.2 \times 10^{-10} \) M. \[ K_{sp} = (7.33 \times 10^{-11})(2.2 \times 10^{-10})^3 \]
06
Final Calculation for Ksp
Solve for \( K_{sp} \): \[ K_{sp} = (7.33 \times 10^{-11})(2.2 \times 10^{-10})^3 = 7.51 \times 10^{-40} \] So, the equilibrium constant \( K_{sp} \) is \( 7.51 \times 10^{-40} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Solubility Product
The solubility product, represented as \( K_{sp} \), is an equilibrium constant that applies to the dissolution of sparingly soluble salts. It quantifies how much of a substance can dissolve in a given solvent to form a saturated solution.
The \( K_{sp} \) value is derived from the dissociation of ionic compounds into their respective ions. For example, for iron(III) hydroxide \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3} \), it dissociates into iron ions \( \mathrm{Fe^{3+}} \) and hydroxide ions \( \mathrm{OH^-} \).
The \( K_{sp} \) value is derived from the dissociation of ionic compounds into their respective ions. For example, for iron(III) hydroxide \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3} \), it dissociates into iron ions \( \mathrm{Fe^{3+}} \) and hydroxide ions \( \mathrm{OH^-} \).
- The \( K_{sp} \) expression is written as \( [\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}][\mathrm{OH^-}]^3 \).
- The concentrations in the equation are those of the ions at equilibrium in a saturated solution.
Chemical Equilibrium
Chemical equilibrium in the context of solubility is reached when the rate of dissolution of a solid equals the rate of precipitation, resulting in no net change in the amounts of reactants and products.
For a dissolution reaction like \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3 (s) \rightleftharpoons Fe^{3+} (aq) + 3OH^- (aq)} \), equilibrium is achieved when the ion concentrations remain constant over time.
For a dissolution reaction like \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3 (s) \rightleftharpoons Fe^{3+} (aq) + 3OH^- (aq)} \), equilibrium is achieved when the ion concentrations remain constant over time.
- The equilibrium state is dynamic, meaning the processes of dissolution and precipitation continue at equal rates.
- At equilibrium, the concentration of dissolved ions in a saturated solution can be used to calculate \( K_{sp} \).
Dissolution Reaction
A dissolution reaction involves the breaking apart of solid compounds into their constituent ions when dissolved in a solvent, usually water.
For iron(III) hydroxide, the dissolution is represented by the equation \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3 (s) \rightleftharpoons Fe^{3+} (aq) + 3OH^- (aq)} \).
This reaction demonstrates how a solid substance becomes solvated, where the water molecules surround and stabilize the ions.
For iron(III) hydroxide, the dissolution is represented by the equation \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3 (s) \rightleftharpoons Fe^{3+} (aq) + 3OH^- (aq)} \).
This reaction demonstrates how a solid substance becomes solvated, where the water molecules surround and stabilize the ions.
- The stoichiometry of the reaction shows how many ions each formula unit produces; here, one unit of \( \mathrm{Fe(OH)_3} \) gives one \( \mathrm{Fe^{3+}} \) and three \( \mathrm{OH^-} \).
- Understanding this process is crucial for calculating concentrations and the solubility product.