In this topic we explore the equilibria that occur in saturated solutions of sparingly soluble solids.
After working though this topic you will be able to:
- write equations to represent the equilibria that occur between ions in solids and ions in solution in a saturated solution;
- write expressions for solubility products, understand how common ions affect the solubility of sparingly soluble solids and use solubility product data to predict whether solids will dissolve;
- consider ways of introducing and developing ideas about solubility equilibria; and
- reflect on what students find difficult and confusing about solubility equilibria and use analogies that will help them overcome these problems.