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What is the solubility-product expression for aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) in its solid state?

a) [Al³⁺][OH⁻]³
b) [Al(OH)₃]
c) [Al(OH)₃]³
d) [Al³⁺][OH⁻]

User Eric Wong
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The solubility-product expression for aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) is Ksp = [Al³⁺][OH⁻]³, representing the product of the concentrations of the ions produced when it dissolves in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solubility-product expression for aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) in its solid state is used to describe its solubility in water. This expression is derived from the dissolution equilibrium of aluminum hydroxide, which can be written as:

Al(OH)₃(s) → Al³⁺(aq) + 3OH⁻(aq)


Based on this equation, the solubility-product expression, or Ksp, is represented as:

Ksp = [Al³⁺][OH⁻]³


This corresponds to choice (a) in the question provided. It is important to note that the solid state of aluminum hydroxide ([Al(OH)₃]) does not appear in the expression since its concentration is constant and incorporated into the value of Ksp.

User Sachihiro
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