Chapter 16, Problem 20RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Reason for dissolution of sodium acetate $\left({\text{NaC}}_2{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}_2\right)$ in pure water to produce basic solution has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The equilibrium constant used for the partially soluble salt in water is termed as solubility product constant $K_{\text{sp}}$. Consider solubility of $\text{AgCl}$ in water and equilibrium equation of $\text{AgCl}$ is as follows:

  $\text{AgCl}\left(s\right)\rightleftharpoons {\text{Ag}}^{+}\left(aq\right)+{\text{Cl}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

The expression for $K_{\text{sp}}$ is as follows:

  $K_{\text{sp}}=\frac{\left[{\text{Ag}}^{+}\right]\left[{\text{Cl}}^{-}\right]}{\left[\text{AgCl}\left(s\right)\right]}$

Generally the concentration of solid is taken as constant. Therefore the expression for $K_{\text{sp}}$ of $\text{AgCl}$ is as follows:

  $K_{\text{sp}}=\left[{\text{Ag}}^{+}\right]\left[{\text{Cl}}^{-}\right]$