What is the solubility of MgCO3 in water? (Ksp of MgCO3 is 3.5 x 10^-8)

To find the solubility of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) in water, we use the **solubility product constant (Ksp)**. The Ksp for MgCO₃ is given as \( 3.5 \times 10^{-8} \).

The dissolution of MgCO₃ in water is represented by the following equilibrium reaction:

\[
\text{MgCO}_3 (s) \rightleftharpoons \text{Mg}^{2+} (aq) + \text{CO}_3^{2-} (aq)
\]

Let the solubility of MgCO₃ in mol/L be \( s \). This means that at equilibrium, the concentration of \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \) ions and \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \) ions will both be equal to \( s \), since for every mole of MgCO₃ that dissolves, one mole of each ion is produced.

The Ksp expression is:

\[
K_{sp} = [\text{Mg}^{2+}][\text{CO}_3^{2-}]
\]

Since both concentrations are equal to \( s \), we can substitute them into the expression:

\[
K_{sp} = s \times s = s^2
\]

Now, solving for \( s \):

\[
3.5 \times 10^{-8} = s^2
\]

\[
s = \sqrt{3.5 \times 10^{-8}}
\]

\[
s = 5.92 \times 10^{-4} \, \text{mol/L}
\]

Thus, the solubility of MgCO₃ in water is approximately \( 5.92 \times 10^{-4} \, \text{mol/L} \).

### Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to further explore this topic:
1. How does the solubility of MgCO₃ change in the presence of common ions?
2. What effect does temperature have on the solubility of MgCO₃?
3. How would you calculate the solubility of MgCO₃ in a solution with pH = 7?
4. How is the solubility product related to the common ion effect?
5. Can you calculate the molar mass of MgCO₃ and convert the solubility into grams per liter?

**Tip:** When calculating solubility, always double-check your Ksp expression to ensure you're accounting for the correct ion concentrations.

Learn how to calculate the solubility of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) in water using the given solubility product constant (Ksp = 3.5 x 10^-8). This solution covers key chemistry concepts such as solubility product expressions, algebraic manipulation, and equilibrium chemistry. Suitable for students in Grades 10-12.

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