Skip to content

Search the chemistry universe

Elements, molecules, concepts, simulations, experiments and pages.

Enter a formula, name or conceptFull search

Ionic equilibrium and solubility laboratory

Compare Qsp with Ksp, add a common ion and predict when a precipitate forms.

SchoolLive

Scientific learning path

  1. 01UnderstandLive
  2. 02ExploreLive
  3. 03ExperimentLive
  4. 04ObserveLive
  5. 05ExplainLive
  6. 06ApplyLive
  7. 07TestLive
Explanation mode

supersaturated

Description of this simulation

Qsp = 1.000e-6, Ksp = 1.800e-10; the solution is supersaturated.

Quick test · 3 questions
1. Which statement is evidence from this simulation?
2. How should you test the effect of one control?
3. Why read the model notes?
Qsp
1.0000e-6
Ksp
1.8000e-10
Saturation state
supersaturated
Precipitate predicted?
Yes

Learning guide

Learning objective
Predict dissolution or precipitation from Qsp, Ksp and a common-ion change.
Core equation
Qsp = [Mᵐ⁺]^a[Aⁿ⁻]^b; precipitation when Qsp > Ksp
Why the result changes
Adding an ion already present raises the ion product and can push a saturated solution toward solid formation.
Try this challenge
Start below Ksp and add only enough chloride to cross the precipitation boundary.
Sources
IUPAC Solubility Data Series; CRC Handbook

What this model shows — and what it simplifies

Educational Model

The ion product is compared directly with Ksp using the balanced dissolution stoichiometry.

Where do we see this in real life?

Solubility equilibria explain scale, kidney stones, water softening and selective precipitation analysis.

Explain this result

Scientific review record

Building
Module version
v1 bundled
Published
Loading…
Last reviewed
Not yet verified
Academic level
School
Reviewer
Not publicly assigned

Loading source metadata…

Review method · Report an error