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Multiple Choice
Why does the addition of acid increase the solubility of calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) in water?
A
Acid causes the precipitation of calcium ions, removing them from solution and increasing solubility.
B
Acid reacts with phosphate ions to form H3PO4, reducing the concentration of PO4^{3-} and shifting the dissolution equilibrium toward more dissolved Ca3(PO4)2.
C
Acid increases the temperature of the solution, which directly increases the solubility of Ca3(PO4)2.
D
Acid neutralizes calcium ions, forming CaCl2 and increasing the solubility of Ca3(PO4)2.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the dissolution equilibrium of calcium phosphate in water: $\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2 (s) \rightleftharpoons 3 Ca^{2+} (aq) + 2 PO_4^{3-} (aq)}$.
Understand that the solubility depends on the concentrations of $\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$ and $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ ions in solution, governed by the solubility product constant $K_{sp}$.
Recognize that adding acid introduces $\mathrm{H^+}$ ions, which react with phosphate ions to form various protonated phosphate species such as $\mathrm{HPO_4^{2-}}$, $\mathrm{H_2PO_4^-}$, and ultimately $\mathrm{H_3PO_4}$.
This reaction reduces the free $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ ion concentration in solution, disturbing the dissolution equilibrium and causing more $\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}$ solid to dissolve to restore equilibrium according to Le Châtelier's principle.
Conclude that the increased solubility is due to the acid removing $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ ions from solution by protonation, shifting the equilibrium toward dissolution, rather than precipitation or temperature effects.