Question

write the balanced reaction and solubility product expression (Ksp) for dissolving silver carbonate: Ag₂CO₃(s). include all charges, stoichiometric coefficients, and phase subscripts.

Answer 1

The balanced reaction for dissolving silver carbonate in water is Ag₂CO₃(s) → 2Ag⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq), and the Ksp expression is Ksp = [Ag⁺]²[CO₃²⁻].

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced chemical reaction for the dissolution of silver carbonate Ag₂CO₃(s) in water is as follows:

Ag₂CO₃(s) → 2Ag⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq)

The solubility product expression (Ksp) for this equilibrium does not include solids and is written as:

Ksp = [Ag⁺]²[CO₃²⁻]

Here, the brackets represent the molar concentrations of the ions in a saturated solution at equilibrium. Since solubility rules suggest that most carbonates are insoluble, except those of ammonium and alkali metals, the Ksp value is usually quite small, reflecting the low solubility of silver carbonate in water.