Chapter 3, Problem 86SCQ

There are many ionic compounds that dissolve in water to a very small extent. One example is lead(II) chloride. When it dissolves an equilibrium is established between the solid salt and its component ions. Suppose you stir some solid PbCl₂ into water. Explain how you would prove that the compound dissolves but to a small extent? Is the dissolving process product-favored or reactant-favored?

${\text{pbcl}}_{\text{2}}\text{(s)}\rightleftarrows {\text{pb}}^{\text{2+}}{\text{(aq)+2cl}}^{-}\text{(aq)}$