A solution containing CaCl₂ is mixed with a solution of Li₂C₂O₄ to form a solution that is 3.5 × 10^-4 mol L^-1 in calcium ion and 2.33 × 10^-4mol L^-1 in oxalate ion. What will happen once these solutions are mixed? K_sp (CaC₂O₄)= 2.3 × 10^-9. A)Nothing will happen since both calcium chloride and lithium oxalate are soluble compounds. B)Nothing will happen because K_sp Q for all possible precipitants. C)A precipitate will form as calcium oxalate is not soluble to any extent. D)A precipitate will form since Q K_sp for calcium oxalate. E)Nothing will happen because Q = K_sp.

Question

A solution containing CaCl₂ is mixed with a solution of Li₂C₂O₄ to form a solution that is 3.5 × 10^-4 mol L^-1 in calcium ion and 2.33 × 10^-4mol L^-1 in oxalate ion. What will happen once these solutions are mixed? K_sp (CaC₂O₄)= 2.3 × 10^-9. A)Nothing will happen since both calcium chloride and lithium oxalate are soluble compounds. B)Nothing will happen because K_sp > Q for all possible precipitants. C)A precipitate will form as calcium oxalate is not soluble to any extent. D)A precipitate will form since Q > K_sp for calcium oxalate. E)Nothing will happen because Q = K_sp.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, we need to determine the expression for the ion-product constant, Q, for calcium oxalate. It can be written as:
Q = [Ca2+][C2O42-]

Using the information from the problem, we know that the final concentration of Ca2+ in the mixed solution is 3.5 × 10-4 mol L-1 and the final concentration of C2O42- is 2.33 × 10-4 mol L-1. Thus,
Q = (3.5 × 10-4)(2.33 × 10-4) = 8.155 × 10-11

The value for the solubility product constant, Ksp, for calcium oxalate is also given as 2.3 × 10-9. Comparing Q and Ksp, we can see that Q is greater than Ksp, which indicates that there will be an excess of Ca2+ and C2O42- ions in the solution. As a result, calcium oxalate will likely start to precipitate out of the solution. Therefore, the correct answer is choice D.

A Solution Containing CaCl2 Is Mixed with a Solution of Li2C2O4

A Solution Containing CaCl₂ Is Mixed with a Solution of Li₂C₂O₄