Determination of the Solubility Product Constant of Calcium Hydroxide

R. Raganit1 and A. Libre1

National Institute of Geological Sciences, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101
1

Performed 19 June 2017; Submitted 21 June 2017

Answers to Questions shifts the equilibrium towards the reactants side, favoring
the formation of the precipitate.
1. Write the net ionic reaction for the precipitation of
Ca(OH)2 and give the Ksp expression of the reaction. However, upon the addition of another substance
with no common ion in the solution, there is an increase in
The net ionic reaction for the precipitation of the ionic strength of the solution2. Ionic strength is
Ca(OH)2 is expressed as: dependent on the charge and concentrations of all the ions
present in a solution. Ionic strength is represented by the
Ca(OH)2(s) Ca2+ + 2OH- equation:

while the Ksp is given by: 1

= 2
2

Ksp = [Ca2+][OH-]2
Ci represents the concentrations in M, while Z i
represents the charges of the ions.
2. What is the working equation for the determination
of the [Ca2+] in the saturated solution of Ca(OH)2?
According to the data gathered, the first trial of
0.010 M KCl showed the opposite effect as the calculated
The value of [Ca2+] can be determined through the
solubility for that trial was bigger than the actual solubility
equation:
of Ca(OH)2. In the second and third trial (0.05 M and 0.10
[OH] M KCl), the common ion theory can be observed as there
[Ca2+] = was a significant decrease in the solubility for those two
2
trials. However, in the last trial (0.25 M), the calculated
which can also be expressed as: solubility suddenly increased.
( )( )
( )
For the ionic strength, the same can be said as
[Ca2+] = well. The solubility of the solutions became smaller and
2
smaller as the concentrations increased. The solubility of
3. Write the Ksp of Ca(OH)2 in terms of its molar the solutions do not follow a trend and so, an accurate
solubility s, (b) [OH-] and (c) [Ca2+]. observation cannot be accomplished.

In terms of molar solubility (s), the Ksp of Ca(OH)2 5. What are the possible sources of errors and their
is determined by: effect on the calculated parameters? Explain.

Ksp = 4s3 A possible source of error that could have a big

effect on the experiment is the preparation and saturation
In terms of [OH-], the Ksp of Ca(OH)2 is determined of the solution with the dissolved Ca(OH)2. The solution
by: should be saturated enough and stirred until equilibrium
was reached. If the solution was not saturated enough, a
[ ] 3 lesser Ksp value would be calculated.
Ksp = 4( )
2

Another possible source of error in the experiment

is the titration of the Ca(OH)2 titrate in determining its Ksp
In terms of [Ca2+], the Ksp of Ca(OH)2 is determined
and molar solubility. When the experimental Ksp was
by:
calculated and compared to the theoretical Ksp in order to
get the percentage of error, a percent error of 198% is
Ksp = 4([Ca2+])3
attained.

4. Discuss the effects of common ions and increasing References

ionic strength on the solubility of the Ca(OH) 2. Do they
coincide with the theoretical effects? Explain. [1] Solubility of KHT and Common Ion Effect. (n.d.).
Retrieved June 20, 2017, from
According to Le Chateliers Principle, when an faculty.uca.edu/kdooley/ksp_kht_v010714.pdf
ionic compound is dissolved in a solution, the presence of a [2] Solubility, Ionic Strengths, and Activity Coefficients.
common ion lowers the solubility of the ionic compound to (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2017, from
a point wherein it becomes lower than its solubility in pure homepages.wmich.edu/~dschreib/Courses/Chem437/II-
water1. The lowering of the solubility of the substance 6b%20Solubility.pdf
 = [(0.25 M)(1)2+
Calculations 0.25 M KCl = 0.25
(0.25 M)(-1)2]
A. Determination of the concentration of standard
E. Solubilities of Ca(OH)2 in different KCl solutions
HCL solution

(0.1016 )(105.988 ,)
Trial 1 MHCl = = 0.08714537152
(0.011 )
(0.1018 )(105.988 ,) 0.010 M KCl
Trial 2 MHCl = = 0.08352052981
(0.0115 )
(0.1056 )(105.988 ,)
Trial 3 MHCl = = 0.07970713666
(0.0125 )
(0.1000 )(105.988 ,)
Trial 4 MHCl = = 0.07862525317
(0.012 )
(0.1264 )(105.988 ,) 0.050 M KCl
Trial 5 MHCl = = 0.08833984001
(0.0135 )
(0.1024 )(105.988 ,)
Trial 6 MHCl = = 0.08783155554
(0.011 )

0.10 M KCl
B. Experimental Ksp and % error

Theoretical Ksp: 6.5 x 10-6 (at 25C)

0.25 M KCl
Ksp = 4([Ca2+])3

Trial 1 Ksp = 4([0.0172])3 = 2.03 x 10-5

Trial 2 Ksp = 4([0.0164])3 = 1.76 x 10-5
Trial 3 Ksp = 4([0.0172])3 = 2.04 x 10-5
Ave. Ksp = 1.94 10-5

| |
% error = x 100%

| 6.5 106 1.95 105 |

= x 100%
6.5 106

= 198%

C. Solubility of Ca(OH)2

[ ]
s = [Ca2+] =
2

0.0177
Trial 1 s = [Ca2+] = = 8.85 x 10-5
2
0.0168
Trial 2 s = [Ca2+] = = 8.40 x 10-5
2
0.0185
Trial 3 s = [Ca2+] = = 9.25 x 10-5
2

D. Ionic Strength of the Different

1
= 2
2

= [(1.0 M)(1)2+ (1.0

1.0 M KCl =1
M)(-1)2]
= [(0.01 M)(1)2+
0.010 M KCl = 0.01
(0.01 M)(-1)2]
= [(0.05 M)(1)2+
0.050 M KCl = 0.05
(0.05 M)(-1)2]
= [(0.1 M)(1)2+ (0.1
0.10 M KCl = 0.1
M)(-1)2]