Question:medium

Calculate the equilibrium concentration of Pb$^{2+}$ ions in a solution of PbS containing 1 $\times$ 10$^{-11}$ moldm$^{-3}$ of sulphide ions. (Given $K_{sp}$ for PbS = 8.0 $\times$ 10$^{-28}$)}

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$K_{sp}$ is the product of the concentrations of the ions raised to the power of their stoichiometric coefficients.
Updated On: May 16, 2026
  • 4 $\times$ 10$^{-14}$
  • 4 $\times$ 10$^{-17}$
  • 8 $\times$ 10$^{-17}$
  • 8 $\times$ 10$^{-11}$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the equilibrium concentration of lead ions (Pb\(^{2+}\)) in a solution containing a known concentration of sulfide ions (S\(^{2-}\)). This is a problem involving the solubility product constant (K\(_{sp}\)).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
For a sparingly soluble salt like lead(II) sulfide (PbS), the dissolution equilibrium is:
\[ \text{PbS}_{(s)} \rightleftharpoons \text{Pb}^{2+}_{(aq)} + \text{S}^{2-}_{(aq)} \] The solubility product expression is:
\[ K_{sp} = [\text{Pb}^{2+}] [\text{S}^{2-}] \] We are given K\(_{sp}\) and [S\(^{2-}\)], and we need to find [Pb\(^{2+}\)].
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given values:
- K\(_{sp}\) for PbS = 8.0 \( \times \) 10\(^{-28}\)
- Concentration of sulphide ions, [S\(^{2-}\)] = 1 \( \times \) 10\(^{-11}\) mol/dm\(^3\) (or M)
Let the equilibrium concentration of Pb\(^{2+}\) be [Pb\(^{2+}\)].
Rearrange the K\(_{sp}\) formula to solve for [Pb\(^{2+}\)]:
\[ [\text{Pb}^{2+}] = \frac{K_{sp}}{[\text{S}^{2-}]} \] Substitute the given values into the equation:
\[ [\text{Pb}^{2+}] = \frac{8.0 \times 10^{-28}}{1 \times 10^{-11}} \] \[ [\text{Pb}^{2+}] = 8.0 \times 10^{(-28 - (-11))} \] \[ [\text{Pb}^{2+}] = 8.0 \times 10^{-17} \] The equilibrium concentration of Pb\(^{2+}\) ions is 8.0 \( \times \) 10\(^{-17}\) mol/dm\(^3\). Note that Pb\(^{++}\) is another way to write Pb\(^{2+}\).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The calculated concentration of Pb\(^{2+}\) is 8.0 \( \times \) 10\(^{-17}\) M, which matches option (C).
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