Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

Consider the dissociation of strong versus weak acids: HCl(aq)+H2O(l)H3O+(aq)+Cl

ID: 970600 • Letter: C

Question

Consider the dissociation of strong versus weak acids:

HCl(aq)+H2O(l)H3O+(aq)+Cl(aq)

HF(aq)+H2O(l)H3O+(aq)+F(aq)

The first reaction is not reversible, but the second one is. So, only the conjugate of the weak acid, F, can react with H3O+. Now consider the solubility of insoluble salts:

AgCl(s)Ag+(aq)+Cl(aq)

AgF(s)Ag+(aq)+F(aq)

The addition of acid has no effect on silver chloride. But for the second reaction, H3O+ will react with F, decreasing its concentration and driving the equilibrium to the right. Thus, salts that contain the conjugate of a weak acid become more soluble as the acidity of the solution increases.

Q-

Another metal phosphate is aluminum phosphate. It will behave similar to calcium phosphate in an acid solution. What is the net ionic equation including phases for AlPO4(s) dissolving in H3O+(aq)?

Express your answer as a net ionic equation.

Explanation / Answer

AlPO4(s)+H3O+(aq)Al3+(aq)+HPO42(aq)+H2O(l)