Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the solubility of a salt?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solubility Rules
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According to solubility rules, PbCl_2 would have the highest solubility in which of the following solutions?
A
a solution containing Pb(NO_3)_2
B
hot water
C
a solution containing NaCl
D
cold water
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the solubility rules for lead(II) chloride (PbCl_2): it is sparingly soluble in cold water but its solubility increases with temperature, meaning it dissolves better in hot water.
Consider the common ion effect: in a solution containing Pb(NO_3)_2, there is already Pb^{2+} ions present, which will suppress the solubility of PbCl_2 due to Le Chatelier's principle shifting the dissolution equilibrium to the left.
Similarly, in a solution containing NaCl, there are extra Cl^- ions, which also cause the common ion effect, reducing the solubility of PbCl_2 by shifting the equilibrium toward the solid form.
In pure water, especially hot water, there are no common ions to suppress solubility, and the increased temperature enhances the dissolution of PbCl_2.
Therefore, PbCl_2 has the highest solubility in hot water because it avoids the common ion effect and benefits from increased temperature.
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