Magnesium hydroxide is only very slightly soluble in water. The reaction by which it goes into solution is: Mg(O H)2(s) = Mg²+(a q) + 2 O H minus (a q)

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### Solubility of Magnesium Hydroxide and the Effect of Adding Hydroxide Ions

Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is only very slightly soluble in water. The reaction by which it goes into solution is as follows:

\[ \text{Mg(OH)}_2(\text{s}) \leftrightarrow \text{Mg}^{2+}(\text{aq}) + 2 \text{OH}^- (\text{aq}) \]

When hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are added to the solution, it affects the equilibrium of this reaction according to Le Chatelier's principle.

**Question:**
What will happen if OH⁻ is added to the solution and why?

1. Solid dissolves. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the left.
2. **Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the left.** (Correct answer)
3. Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the right.
4. Solid dissolves. OH⁻ concentration increases. Reaction moves to the right.
5. Solid dissolves. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the right.
6. Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration increases. Reaction moves to the right.
7. Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration increases. Reaction moves to the left.

**Explanation:**
When additional OH⁻ ions are introduced into the solution, the equilibrium will shift to counteract this change (Le Chatelier's Principle). The reaction will move left to decrease the concentration of OH⁻ ions by precipitating more \( \text{Mg(OH)}_2 \) as a solid. Therefore, the solid remains and the concentration of OH⁻ decreases as the system strives to reach a new equilibrium.
Transcribed Image Text:### Solubility of Magnesium Hydroxide and the Effect of Adding Hydroxide Ions Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is only very slightly soluble in water. The reaction by which it goes into solution is as follows: \[ \text{Mg(OH)}_2(\text{s}) \leftrightarrow \text{Mg}^{2+}(\text{aq}) + 2 \text{OH}^- (\text{aq}) \] When hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are added to the solution, it affects the equilibrium of this reaction according to Le Chatelier's principle. **Question:** What will happen if OH⁻ is added to the solution and why? 1. Solid dissolves. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the left. 2. **Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the left.** (Correct answer) 3. Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the right. 4. Solid dissolves. OH⁻ concentration increases. Reaction moves to the right. 5. Solid dissolves. OH⁻ concentration decreases. Reaction moves to the right. 6. Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration increases. Reaction moves to the right. 7. Solid remains. OH⁻ concentration increases. Reaction moves to the left. **Explanation:** When additional OH⁻ ions are introduced into the solution, the equilibrium will shift to counteract this change (Le Chatelier's Principle). The reaction will move left to decrease the concentration of OH⁻ ions by precipitating more \( \text{Mg(OH)}_2 \) as a solid. Therefore, the solid remains and the concentration of OH⁻ decreases as the system strives to reach a new equilibrium.
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