Chapter U6, Problem 4RE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Why is it true that when a dissolving and precipitation process is at equilibrium, the solution is saturated needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The mathematical relationship between the products and reactants in an equilibrium is given as,

$\text{aA}\text{+}\text{bB}\rightleftharpoons \text{cC}\text{+ dD}$

$K=\frac{{\left[C\right]}^c{\left[D\right]}^d}{{\left[A\right]}^a{\left[B\right]}^b}$

Answer to Problem 4RE

It is true that when a dissolving and precipitation process is at equilibrium, the solution is saturated because, in equilibrium on adding solute further, it will precipitate.

Explanation of Solution

A reaction is in equilibrium when the rates of forward and reverse reactions are the same. When a dissolving and precipitation process is at equilibrium, the solution is saturated. It is because, in equilibrium on adding solute further, it will precipitate.

Conclusion

When a dissolving and precipitation process is at equilibrium, the solution is saturated. This statement is true.