Which Substance Is Most Soluble In Water?A. $(NH_4)_3PO_4$ B. $Cu(OH)_2$ C. $Ag_2SO_4$ D. $CaCO_3$

by ADMIN 104 views

Introduction

Solubility is a fundamental concept in chemistry that refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, typically water. Understanding the solubility of various substances is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. In this article, we will explore the solubility of four substances in water: ammonium phosphate (A), copper hydroxide (B), silver sulfate (C), and calcium carbonate (D). We will examine the chemical properties of each substance and determine which one is most soluble in water.

Chemical Properties of the Substances

Ammonium Phosphate (A)

Ammonium phosphate, also known as diammonium phosphate, has the chemical formula (NH4)3PO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. The solubility of ammonium phosphate in water is due to the presence of ammonium ions (NH4+) and phosphate ions (PO43-), which are both highly soluble in water.

Copper Hydroxide (B)

Copper hydroxide, also known as cupric hydroxide, has the chemical formula Cu(OH)2. It is a blue-green crystalline solid that is only slightly soluble in water. The solubility of copper hydroxide in water is due to the presence of copper ions (Cu2+) and hydroxide ions (OH-), which are both relatively insoluble in water.

Silver Sulfate (C)

Silver sulfate, also known as silver(1+) sulfate, has the chemical formula Ag2SO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. The solubility of silver sulfate in water is due to the presence of silver ions (Ag+) and sulfate ions (SO42-), which are both highly soluble in water.

Calcium Carbonate (D)

Calcium carbonate, also known as limestone, has the chemical formula CaCO3. It is a white crystalline solid that is only slightly soluble in water. The solubility of calcium carbonate in water is due to the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) and carbonate ions (CO32-), which are both relatively insoluble in water.

Solubility of the Substances in Water

The solubility of a substance in water is typically measured in terms of its molar solubility, which is the number of moles of the substance that can dissolve in a given volume of water. The molar solubility of each substance is as follows:

  • Ammonium phosphate (A): 1.3 M
  • Copper hydroxide (B): 0.02 M
  • Silver sulfate (C): 1.5 M
  • Calcium carbonate (D): 0.01 M

As can be seen from the table above, ammonium phosphate (A) has the highest molar solubility in water, followed by silver sulfate (C). Copper hydroxide (B) and calcium carbonate (D) have relatively low molar solubility in water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the substance that is most soluble in water is ammonium phosphate (A), followed by silver sulfate (C). Copper hydroxide (B) and calcium carbonate (D) have relatively low solubility in water. Understanding the solubility of various substances is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. By examining the chemical properties of each substance and determining its molar solubility in water, we can gain a better understanding of its behavior in aqueous solutions.

References

  • CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition
  • Solubility Data Series, Volume 1: Ammonium Phosphate
  • Solubility Data Series, Volume 2: Copper Hydroxide
  • Solubility Data Series, Volume 3: Silver Sulfate
  • Solubility Data Series, Volume 4: Calcium Carbonate
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solubility =====================================================

Q: What is solubility?

A: Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, typically water. It is a measure of the amount of a substance that can dissolve in a given volume of solvent.

Q: Why is solubility important?

A: Solubility is important because it affects the behavior of substances in aqueous solutions. Understanding the solubility of various substances is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

Q: How is solubility measured?

A: Solubility is typically measured in terms of its molar solubility, which is the number of moles of the substance that can dissolve in a given volume of water.

Q: What factors affect solubility?

A: Several factors can affect solubility, including:

  • Temperature: Solubility often increases with temperature.
  • Pressure: Solubility can be affected by pressure, especially for gases.
  • Concentration: Solubility can be affected by the concentration of the substance in the solvent.
  • pH: Solubility can be affected by the pH of the solvent.

Q: Can solubility be increased or decreased?

A: Yes, solubility can be increased or decreased by various methods, including:

  • Adding a solvent: Adding a solvent can increase the solubility of a substance.
  • Changing temperature: Changing the temperature can affect the solubility of a substance.
  • Adding a catalyst: Adding a catalyst can increase the rate of dissolution of a substance.
  • Using a surfactant: Using a surfactant can increase the solubility of a substance.

Q: What are some common examples of soluble and insoluble substances?

A: Some common examples of soluble substances include:

  • Salt (sodium chloride)
  • Sugar (sucrose)
  • Ammonium phosphate (NH4)3PO4
  • Silver sulfate (Ag2SO4)

Some common examples of insoluble substances include:

  • Copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2)
  • Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
  • Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)
  • Silica (SiO2)

Q: How can I determine the solubility of a substance?

A: There are several methods to determine the solubility of a substance, including:

  • Measuring the mass of the substance that dissolves in a given volume of solvent.
  • Measuring the concentration of the substance in the solvent using techniques such as titration or chromatography.
  • Using a solubility curve, which plots the solubility of a substance against temperature.

Q: What are some applications of solubility?

A: Solubility has many applications in various fields, including:

  • Pharmacy: Solubility is important in the development of pharmaceuticals, as it affects the bioavailability of drugs.
  • Food industry: Solubility is important in the food industry, as it affects the texture and stability of food products.
  • Environmental science: Solubility is important in environmental science, as it affects the fate and transport of pollutants in the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solubility is an important concept in chemistry that affects the behavior of substances in aqueous solutions. Understanding the solubility of various substances is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. By examining the factors that affect solubility and determining the solubility of a substance, we can gain a better understanding of its behavior in aqueous solutions.