Chapter 19, Problem 19.115MP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molar concentration of magnesium and carbonate ion and the solubility product constant of ${\text{MgCO}}_{\text{3}}$should be identified.

Concept introduction:

• The concentration of an ion can be determined by dividing the number of moles to the volume of solution as follows:

$\left[{\text{Mg}}^{\text{2}+}\right] =\text{ n }/\text{V }\left(\text{L}\right)$

where n is number of moles
V is a volume in liter

• For the reaction:

${\text{MgCO}}_{\text{3}} \to {\text{Mg}}^{\text{2}+}+{\text{ CO}}_{\text{3}}{}^{\text{2}-}$

The solubility product constant of magnesium carbonate can be determined as follows:

${\text{K}}_{\text{sp}}=\left[{\text{Mg}}^{\text{2}+}\right]\left[{\text{CO}}_{\text{3}}{}^{\text{2}-}\right]$