2. Copper hydroxide is only very slightly soluble in water. The reaction by whic

Question

2. Copper hydroxide is only very slightly soluble in water. The reaction by which it goes into solution is: Cu (OH)2(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2 OH-(aq) a. Formulate the expression for the equilibrium constant, Ksp for the above reaction. b. Would you expect the solubility of Cu (OH)2 in HCI to be more, less or the same compared to the solubility of Cu(OH)2 in water? Explain why Cu(OH)2 might have very appreciable solubility in 1 M HCI. (Consider the effect of Reaction 3 on the Cu(OH)2 solution reaction.) c.

Explanation / Answer

2 a Ksp = (Conc[Cu2+] * Conc[OH-]2 )/ Conc[Cu(OH)2]

b The solubility of Cu(OH)2 is more in HCl when compared to solubility of Cu(OH)2 in water.

c HCl -----> H+ + Cl-  The HCl exists as H+ and Cl- ions

H+ + OH- -------> H2O Hence the water molecule is formed resulting in the decrease in concentration of OH- ions. This decreases the Ksp so to maintain Ksp as a constant the concentration must increase and hence Cu(OH)2 might have appreciable solubility in 1M HCl.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 2
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.