Solubility Activity

Abstract

Although general chemistry textbooks traditionally provide lists of rules for the solubility of ionic compounds in water, and students may be asked to memorize them in order to predict the results of precipitation reactions, these rules may obscure the fact that detectable quantities of ions dissolve even from so-called "insoluble" compounds. In this activity students examine solution concentrations and look for trends they can use to create solubility rules.

Level: High School, Undergraduate
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Chemistry
Course: General Chemistry
Keywords: solubility, precipitation reactions