Understanding Ksp
* Ksp (Solubility Product Constant): Ksp is the equilibrium constant for the dissolution of a sparingly soluble ionic compound. It represents the product of the ion concentrations raised to their stoichiometric coefficients in a saturated solution.
The Dissolution Equilibrium
Ag₂CO₃(s) ⇌ 2Ag⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq)
Calculating Ksp
1. Identify the stoichiometric coefficients: In the balanced equation, 2 moles of Ag⁺ ions are produced for every 1 mole of CO₃²⁻ ions.
2. Write the Ksp expression:
Ksp = [Ag⁺]² [CO₃²⁻]
3. Substitute the given concentration:
* [Ag⁺] = 0.00026 M
* Since the concentration of Ag⁺ is twice the concentration of CO₃²⁻, [CO₃²⁻] = 0.00026 M / 2 = 0.00013 M
4. Calculate Ksp:
Ksp = (0.00026)² (0.00013)
Ksp = 8.79 x 10⁻¹²
Therefore, the Ksp for silver carbonate (Ag₂CO₃) is approximately 8.79 x 10⁻¹²
