Question

Which of the slightly soluble salts below will be more soluble in acidic solution than in pure water?

a. Mg(OH)2
b. CaCO3
c. AgCl Mg(OH)2
d. only Mg(OH)2,
e. CaCO3, and
f. AgCl
g. CaCO3 only
h. both Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3

Answer 1

h. both Mg(OH)₂ and CaCO₃

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the solution of Mg(OH)₂ according to the following equation:

Mg(OH)₂(s) ⇄ Mg²⁺(aq) + 2 OH⁻(aq)

In acidic solution, OH⁻ reacts with H⁺ to form H₂O.

OH⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) ⇄ H₂O(l)

According to Le Chatelier's principle, since [OH⁻] decreases, the solution of Mg(OH)₂(s) shifts toward the right, increasing its solubility.

Let's consider the solution of CaCO₃ according to the following equation:

CaCO₃(s) ⇄ Ca²⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq)

In acidic solution, CO₃²⁻ reacts with H⁺ to form HCO₃⁻.

CO₃²⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) ⇄ HCO₃⁻(aq)

According to Le Chatelier's principle, since [CO₃²⁻] decreases, the solution of CaCO₃(s) shifts toward the right, increasing its solubility.

Let's consider the solution of AgCl according to the following equation:

AgCl(s) ⇄ Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq)

Cl⁻ does not react with H⁺ because it comes from a strong acid (HCl). Therefore, the solubility of AgCl(s) is not affected by the pH.