Write balanced equations and expressions for Ksp for the dissolution of each ionic compound. a. BaSO₄

Key Concepts

Solubility Product Constant (Ksp)

The solubility product constant (Ksp) is an equilibrium constant that applies to the solubility of ionic compounds. It quantifies the extent to which a compound can dissolve in water, represented by the product of the molar concentrations of its ions, each raised to the power of their coefficients in the balanced dissolution equation. A higher Ksp value indicates greater solubility.

Dissolution of Ionic Compounds

The dissolution of ionic compounds involves the separation of the compound into its constituent ions when it is added to water. For example, when barium sulfate (BaSO4) dissolves, it dissociates into barium ions (Ba²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻). This process is reversible and establishes an equilibrium between the solid and the dissolved ions.

Balanced Chemical Equations

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. For the dissolution of BaSO4, the balanced equation is BaSO4 (s) ⇌ Ba²⁺ (aq) + SO₄²⁻ (aq). Balancing ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, which is essential for accurately describing chemical processes.