Most students are interested in the way in which the chemistry they learn is important in the world around them. Making links to issues such as ocean acidification and the formation of stalactites increases their engagement with the topic of solubility equilibria and helps them appreciate the wider implications of their studies.

The other carbon dioxide problem

This article looks at the long-term effect of increasing levels of carbon dioxide in oceans on the ability of marine organisms to build and maintain calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.

Ocean acidification

This article also discusses the causes and effects of ocean acidification, in which the solubility product of calcium carbonate is very important, and suggests that changes in ocean chemistry could have a devastating effect on marine ecology.

Concrete stalactites

To form a stalactite the solubility product of calcium carbonate must be exceeded. Peter Borrows describes how this happens under concrete bridges and flyovers as well as in the more familiar limestone caves.

Golden rain

Declan Fleming describes a spectacular demonstration in which the solubility product of lead iodide is exceeded. He also makes the point that this is an excellent way of introducing ionic bonding. Mike Ryan extends the idea using lead bromide.