Does Ag₂SO₄ (s) precipitate if we mix 100.0 mL of 0.100 M AgNO₃ (aq) with 100.0 mL of 0.150 M H₂SO₄ (aq)?

Data: K_sp (Ag₂SO₄) = 1.2 x 10^-5 M ³

Question

Does Ag₂SO₄ (s) precipitate if we mix 100.0 mL of 0.100 M AgNO₃ (aq) with 100.0 mL of 0.150 M H₂SO₄ (aq)?

Data: K_sp (Ag₂SO₄) = 1.2 x 10^-5 M ³

| General Chemistry 3

Accepted Answer

Chemical reaction: Ag₂SO₄ (s) $⇄$ 2 Ag⁺ (aq) + SO₄^2- (aq)

Let’s calculate Q_sp:

Q_sp = [Ag⁺]₀² x [SO₄^2-]₀

[Ag⁺]₀ = [AgNO₃] x V_AgNO3 / V_tot = 0.100 x 0.100 / 0.200 = 5.00 x 10^-2 M

[SO₄^2-]₀= [H₂SO₄] x V_H2SO4 / V_tot = 0.150 x 0.100 / 0.200 = 7.50 x 10^-2 M

⇒ Q_sp = 1.875 x 10^-4 M³

⇒ Q_sp > K_sp

Ag₂SO₄ (s) will precipitate from the solution

Exercise 8 | Solubility and Precipitation Reactions