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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

Solubility of wfich of the following salts only increases with increase in tempareture?? Ce2(SO4​) , KNO3 , Na2SO4​.10H2O , CaCl​2.6H2O

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8 Years agoGrade 12
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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

When considering the solubility of salts and how it changes with temperature, it's important to understand that different salts behave differently. Among the salts you've listed—Ce2(SO4)3, KNO3, Na2SO4·10H2O, and CaCl2·6H2O—only some exhibit increased solubility with rising temperatures. Let's break down each one to see how they respond to temperature changes.

Understanding Salt Solubility

Solubility refers to the maximum amount of a substance that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature. For many salts, solubility increases with temperature, but this is not a universal rule. Some salts may actually decrease in solubility as temperature rises.

Analyzing Each Salt

  • Ce2(SO4)3: This salt generally has low solubility in water, and its solubility does not significantly increase with temperature.
  • KNO3: Potassium nitrate is well-known for its solubility behavior. As the temperature increases, KNO3 becomes more soluble in water. This is a classic example of a salt whose solubility increases with temperature.
  • Na2SO4·10H2O: Sodium sulfate decahydrate has a unique solubility profile. Its solubility increases with temperature, but it reaches a point where it can actually decrease at very high temperatures due to the formation of a less soluble form.
  • CaCl2·6H2O: Calcium chloride hexahydrate is hygroscopic and dissolves readily in water, but its solubility does not significantly increase with temperature. In fact, it can dissolve exothermically, meaning it releases heat when it dissolves.

Conclusion on Solubility Trends

From this analysis, the salt that clearly shows an increase in solubility with temperature is KNO3. This characteristic makes it useful in various applications, such as in fertilizers and food preservation. Understanding these solubility trends is crucial for practical applications in chemistry, environmental science, and even cooking!

Real-World Applications

For example, the increased solubility of KNO3 at higher temperatures is why it is often used in hot packs. When the pack is activated, the salt dissolves in water, absorbing heat and providing warmth. This principle of solubility is not just academic; it has real-world implications in various fields.