How much KBr should be added to 1 L of 0.05 M AgNO_3 solution just to start precipitation of AgBr? K_(sp) of AgBr = 5 x 10^-13.

1 Answer
Jan 30, 2016

K_(sp) means that [Ag^+]*[Br^-]=5*10^-13,
because the 'sp' suffix stands for 'solution product'.

Explanation:

Concentration of Ag^+=0.05mol//L
(one mole of Ag^+ per mole of AgNO_3)
So [Ag^+]=5*10^-2

Now we plug in what we know:
(5*10^-2)*[Br^-]=5*10^-13
[Br^-]=(cancel5*10^-13)/(cancel5*10^-2)=1*10^-11mol//L

If you have the KBr in a not very diluted form, you may assume that you'll only need a drop or two, and that the 1L won't change significantly.
So you'll need 1*10^-11mol of KBr and this can easily be converted to grams (or rather milligrams).

Extra :
One drop more and the solution will turn cloudy white, and turn dark on exposure to sunlight -- that's what classic photography is based upon.