Tooth enamel is composed of hydroxyapatite, whose simplest formula is Ca51PO423OH, and whose corresponding Ksp = 6.8 * 10-27. As discussed in the Chemistry and Life box on page 746, fluoride in fluorinated water or in toothpaste reacts with hydroxyapatite to form fluoroapatite, Ca51PO423F, whose Ksp = 1.0 * 10-60. (a) Write the expression for the solubility-constant for hydroxyapatite and for fluoroapatite.
Ch.17 - Additional Aspects of Aqueous Equilibria
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 17, Problem 102
Calculate the solubility of Mg1OH22 in 0.50 M NH4Cl.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the chemical formula of the compound. The correct formula for Magnesium hydroxide is Mg(OH)2, not Mg1OH22.
Write the solubility product expression (Ksp) for Mg(OH)2. It dissociates in water according to the equation: Mg(OH)2(s) ⇌ Mg2+(aq) + 2 OH-(aq). The expression for Ksp is: Ksp = [Mg2+][OH-]^2.
Recognize the common ion effect due to NH4Cl. NH4Cl dissociates into NH4+ and Cl-. NH4+ can slightly increase the concentration of H+ in solution through its reaction with water, which affects the concentration of OH- by the relationship [H+][OH-] = 1 x 10^-14 at 25°C.
Calculate the new equilibrium concentration of OH- considering the presence of NH4+. Use the expression [H+][OH-] = 1 x 10^-14 to find [OH-] when [H+] is altered by NH4+.
Substitute the new [OH-] back into the Ksp expression to solve for the new [Mg2+], and hence find the solubility of Mg(OH)2 in the presence of 0.50 M NH4Cl.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
7mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Solubility Product Constant (Ksp)
The solubility product constant (Ksp) is an equilibrium constant that applies to the solubility of sparingly soluble ionic compounds. It represents the product of the molar concentrations of the ions, each raised to the power of their coefficients in the balanced equation. For Mg(OH)2, Ksp can be used to determine how much of the compound can dissolve in a solution, which is essential for calculating its solubility in the presence of other ions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Solubility Product Constant
Common Ion Effect
The common ion effect refers to the decrease in solubility of an ionic compound when a common ion is added to the solution. In this case, NH4Cl provides NH4+ ions, which can shift the equilibrium of Mg(OH)2 dissolution, reducing its solubility. Understanding this effect is crucial for calculating the solubility of Mg(OH)2 in the presence of NH4Cl.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Common Ion Effect
Ionic Equilibrium
Ionic equilibrium involves the balance between the dissolved ions in a solution and the undissolved solid phase of an ionic compound. For Mg(OH)2, the equilibrium can be expressed as the dissolution of the solid into Mg2+ and OH- ions. Analyzing this equilibrium is key to determining how the addition of NH4Cl affects the concentrations of these ions and, consequently, the solubility of Mg(OH)2.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Thermal Equilibrium
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Textbook Question
The solubility-product constant for barium permanganate, Ba1MnO422, is 2.5 * 10-10. Assume that solid Ba1MnO422 is in equilibrium with a solution of KMnO4. What concentration of KMnO4 is required to establish a concentration of 2.0 * 10-8 M for the Ba2 + ion in solution?
Textbook Question
The solubility of CaCO3 is pH dependent. (b) Use the Kb expression for the CO32- ion to determine the equilibrium constant for the reaction CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) ⇌ Ca2+(aq) + HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq)
Textbook Question
A solid sample of Fe1OH23 is added to 0.500 L of 0.250 Maqueous H2SO4. The solution that remains is still acidic. Itis then titrated with 0.500 M NaOH solution, and it takes12.5 mL of the NaOH solution to reach the equivalencepoint. What mass of Fe1OH23 was added to the H2SO4solution?
Textbook Question
The solubility product constants of PbSO4 and SrSO4 are 6.3 * 10-7 and 3.2 * 10-7, respectively. What are the values of 3SO4 2 - 4, 3Pb2 + 4, and 3Sr2 + 4 in a solution at equilibrium with both substances?
