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Subject Code CHEM 2 Chemistry 2

Module Code 4.0 Acid and Base Equilibria and Solubility Equilibria
Lesson Code 4.10 Solubility Product Constant
Time Frame 30 minutes

TA ATA
Components Tasks
(mins) (mins)
Target At the end of this module, you are expected to:
• explain what Ksp means;
• write the Ksp expression for sparingly soluble solids; and 1
• predict whether precipitation will occur or not.

We have discussed plenty of equilibrium constants in the past.

Each equilibrium constant is defined for a specific type of
reaction. Can you match the equilibrium constant to their
respective reactions?

Column A Column B
+ −
Hook 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇄ 𝐻3 𝑂(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) Kb
+ −
𝐻𝐶𝑙𝑂(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇄ 𝐻3 𝑂(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙𝑂(𝑎𝑞) Ka
+ − 2
𝑁𝐻3(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇄ 𝑁𝐻4(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) Kp
2𝑆𝑂2(𝑔) + 𝑂2(𝑔) ⇄ 2𝑆𝑂3(𝑔) Kw

There is another equilibrium constant that we will discuss in

Chemistry 2. It is given the symbol Ksp and just like all the
equilibrium constants above, Ksp is defined for a specific type of
reaction.

Back in Chemistry 1, there are solids classified as insoluble

based on the solubility rules. Macroscopically, these solids seem
not to dissolve in water. But in reality, a small fraction of the
solid dissociates until equilibrium between the solid and the ions
is established.

Ksp

Ksp is the equilibrium constant for the dissociation (or

dissolution) of a sparingly soluble salt in water (Eqn. 1). It is
Ignite called the solubility product constant.

𝐴𝑛 𝐵𝑚(𝑠) ⇄ 𝑛𝐴+𝑚 −𝑛 12
(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑚𝐵(𝑎𝑞) Eqn. 1

𝐾𝑠𝑝 = [𝐴+𝑚 ]𝑛 [𝐵 −𝑛 ]𝑚

Example 1: What is the Ksp expression for the dissociation of

BaCO3?

To answer this, first you need to write the equation showing the
dissociation of BaCO3 in water. This will allow you to know the
coefficient of the ions and in turn their exponent in the
expression.

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2+ 2−
𝐵𝑎𝐶𝑂3(𝑠) ⇄ 𝐵𝑎(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑂3(𝑎𝑞)
𝐾𝑠𝑝 = [𝐵𝑎2+ ][𝐶𝑂32− ]

Example 2: What is the Ksp expression for the dissociation of

PbI2?
2+ −
𝑃𝑏𝐼2(𝑠) ⇄ 𝑃𝑏(𝑎𝑞) + 2𝐼(𝑎𝑞)
𝐾𝑠𝑝 = [𝑃𝑏 2+ ][𝐼 − ]2

Example 3: What is the Ksp expression for the dissociation of

Ba3(PO4)2?
𝐵𝑎3 (𝑃𝑂4 )2(𝑠) ⇄ 3𝐵𝑎2+ 3−
(𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑃𝑂4(𝑎𝑞)
𝐾𝑠𝑝 = [𝐵𝑎2+ ]3 [𝑃𝑂43− ]2

Because these solids are sparingly soluble, K sp is always less

than 1. Ksp can be used to describe the relative position of
dissociation or dissolution reactions (forward reaction). For
solids with the same formula type (e.g. AgCl and CaCO3 are
both AB type while Mg(OH)2 and PbI2 are both AB2 type), the
solid with the higher Ksp is more soluble. Table 1 lists the Ksp of
some sparingly soluble salts.

Table 1. Ksp of selected solids

Solid Type Ksp
AgCl AB 1.77  10-10
BaCO3 AB 2.58  10-9
BaSO4 AB 1.08  10-10
PbI2 AB2 9.8  10-9
Mg(OH)2 AB2 5.61  10-12
A2 B
Ag2S 6  10-30
(but can be treated as AB2)
Ca3(PO4)2 A3B2 2.07  10-33
A2B3
Y2(CO3)3 1.03  10-31
(can be treated as A3B2)

Among the listed solids of the AB type (Table 1), BaCO3 is the
most soluble whereas among the AB 2 and A2B types of solids,
PbI2 is the most soluble. Take note that you should not compare
the solubility of solids based on their Ksp if they are not of the
same type.

Qsp

One can predict whether precipitation will occur using the

reaction quotient, Qsp. This is much like comparing the reaction
quotient, Q, and the equilibrium constant, K, which you learned
in Module 3.4 (Second Quarter).

Qsp > Ksp Precipitation occurs (reverse of dissociation)

Qsp ≤ Ksp No precipitation occurs

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Example 4: Consider a solution where [Ca2+] = 0.010 M while

[OH-] = 0.015 M. Will Ca(OH)2 precipitate? The Ksp of Ca(OH)2
is 5.02  10-6.

To answer this, you need to write the equation for the

dissociation of Ca(OH)2 and the expression for the reaction
quotient.
2+ −
𝐶𝑎(𝑂𝐻)2(𝑠) ⇄ 𝐶𝑎(𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞)
𝑄𝑠𝑝 = [𝐶𝑎2+ ][𝑂𝐻 − ]2
𝑄𝑠𝑝 = (0.010)(0.015)2 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔

Since Qsp < Ksp, it means that Ca(OH)2 will not precipitate.

Graded Formative Assessment

Answer the following items and submit your outputs as

instructed by your teacher. Show your complete solution.
1. Allotropes are substances with the same chemical formula
but have different forms (e.g. crystal structure). An example
of an allotropic pair is aragonite and calcite. The chemical
formula of aragonite and calcite is CaCO 3. Due to the
difference in their crystal structure, their K sp values are
Navigate different. The Ksp of aragonite is 6.0  10-9 while that of
calcite is 3.36  10-9. 7
A. Write the chemical equation for the dissociation of
CaCO3 in water.
B. Write the Ksp expression for CaCO3.
C. Which between aragonite and calcite is more soluble?
Why?

2. A solution is prepared such that [Li+] = 3.0  10-3 M while

[PO43-] = 2.0  10-3 M. If the Ksp of Li3PO4 is 2.37  10-11,
will a precipitate form in the prepared solution? Show your
complete solution.

In reality, “insoluble solids” can actually dissolve in water but

only to a very limited extent, that is, until the solid establishes
equilibrium with its ions. The extent of dissolution can be
measured using the solubility product constant, Ksp. The
relative solubility of solids of the same type can be determined
using their Ksp – the higher the Ksp, the more soluble the solid is.
The relationship between Qsp and Ksp can be used to predict
Knot whether precipitation will occur or not.
8
Additional Formative Assessment (Graded)
Answer the following items and submit your outputs as
instructed by your teacher.

Part I. Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer.

1. Which of the following will prevent the dissociation of
AgCl(s) when also present in the solution? Hint: Recall and
apply important equilibrium principles.

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A. KNO3
B. NaNO3
C. NaCl
D. NaCH3COO

2. Which of the following mixtures has the highest pH?

A. 0.200 M CH3COOH and 0.100 M NaCH3COO
B. 0.100 M CH3COOH and 0.200 M NaCH3COO
C. 0.300 M CH3COOH and 0.200 M NaCH3COO
D. 0.200 M CH3COOH and 0.300 M NaCH3COO

3. Which of the following mixtures has the same pH as the

mixture that is [NH3] = 0.250 M and [NH4+] = 0.100 M?
A. 0.100 M NH3 and 0.100 M NH4Cl
B. 0.100 M NH3 and 0.080 M NH4Cl
C. 0.100 M NH3 and 0.060 M NH4Cl
D. 0.100 M NH3 and 0.040 M NH4Cl

4. Which solid is the most soluble?

A. AlPO4 (Kap = 9.84  10-21)
B. CaSO4 (Ksp = 4.93  10-5)
C. AgI (Ksp = 8.52  10-17)
D. PbS (Ksp = 3  10-7)

5. The solubility of which pair can be qualitatively compared

to each other using only their Ksp?
I. Hg2Cl2
II. PbCl2
III. AgCl

A. I and II
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. None of the above

Part II. What is the pH of a solution of Mg(OH)2 after

equilibrium is established? The Ksp of Mg(OH)2 is 5.61  10-12.
Hint: You will need to perform the ICE table analysis.

a suggested time allocation set by the teacher

b actual time spent by the student (for information purposes only)

Answer Key

Hook
+ −
2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇄ 𝐻3 𝑂(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) Kw
+ −
𝐻𝐶𝑙𝑂(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇄ 𝐻3 𝑂(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙𝑂(𝑎𝑞) Ka
+ −
𝑁𝐻3(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇄ 𝑁𝐻4(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) Kb
2𝑆𝑂2(𝑔) + 𝑂2(𝑔) ⇄ 2𝑆𝑂3(𝑔) Kp

Chemistry 2 LG 4.10 – Solubility Product Constant Page 4 of 5

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References:
1. Flowers, P., Theopold, K., Langley, R., & Robinson, W. R. (2012). Chemistry (2nd ed.). Houston,
Texas: OpenStax Rice University.

2. Silberberg, M. & Amateis, P. (2015). Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change
(7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

3. Universite Laval. (n.d). Solubility Product Constants.

http://www2.chm.ulaval.ca/gecha/chm1903/6_solubilite_solides/solubility_products.pdf

Prepared by: JULIUS VICTORIUS A. SALURIA Reviewed by: GENALYN ALICE R. VILORIA
Position: Special Science Teacher II Position: Special Science Teacher V
Campus: PSHS-Main Campus Campus: PSHS-Cagayan Valley Campus

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