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Which of the following ionic compounds is not soluble in water?

1) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
2) Potassium nitrate (KNO₃)
3) Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
4) Silver chloride (AgCl)

User Lay
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Silver chloride (AgCl) is largely considered insoluble in water due to its very low solubility product, meaning it predominantly remains in solid form when mixed with water.

Step-by-step explanation:

Silver chloride (AgCl) is renowned for its limited solubility in water, primarily existing in its solid form. The solubility product constant (Ksp) for AgCl, measuring the concentrations of its constituent ions (Ag+ and Cl−) in water, is remarkably low at 1.67 × 10−5 M. This low value indicates that only a minute fraction of AgCl dissociates into ions, maintaining a dynamic equilibrium with the undissolved solid.

The equilibrium lies strongly toward the side of the solid, emphasizing the predominantly insoluble nature of AgCl in water. While there may be minimal dissolution, the concentrations of Ag+ and Cl− ions remain exceptionally low, reinforcing AgCl's status as a sparingly soluble ionic compound with a tendency to persist in its solid state.

User Rubiktubik
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