The solubility product constant for Mg(OH)2 is 1.8×10-11. What would be the solubility of Mg(OH)2 in 0.345 M NaOH?

The solubility product constant for Mg(OH)2 is 1.8×10-11. What would be the solubility of Mg(OH)2 in 0.345 M NaOH?

1 Answer
Jun 3, 2016

The solubility would be 1.5×10-10lmol/L.

Explanation:

Set up the chemical equation for the equilibrium:

mmmmmmMg(OH)2(s)Mg2+(aq)+2OH-(aq)
E:/mol⋅L-1mmmmmmmmmmxmmmm0.345+2x

Set up the solubility product expression:

Ksp=[Mg2+][OH-]2=x(0.345+2x)2=1.8×10-11

Check that 2xl<< 0.345

0.3451.8×10-11=1.9×1010>400. ∴ 2xl<< 0.345,

Solve the Ksp expression:

x(0.345)2=1.8×10-11

0.119x=1.8×10-11

x=1.8×10-110.119=1.5×10-10

∴ Solubility of Mg(OH)2=1.5×10-10lmol/L