Question:medium

The solubility of \(\text{Pb(OH)}_2\) in water is \(6.7 \times 10^{-6}\text{ M}\). Its solubility in a buffer solution of \(\text{pH} = 8\) would be:

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Always remember that a buffer solution acts as an infinite reservoir for \(\text{H}^+\) or \(\text{OH}^-\) ions. Therefore, unlike when dissolving a salt in pure water or standard ionic solutions, you completely ignore any extra \(\text{OH}^-\) ions produced by the salt dissociation (\(2s'\)) because the buffer dynamically absorbs them to lock the final concentration exactly to \(10^{-\text{pOH}}\).
Updated On: May 29, 2026
  • \( 1.2 \times 10^{-2} \)
  • \( 1.6 \times 10^{-3} \)
  • \( 1.6 \times 10^{-2} \)
  • \( 1.2 \times 10^{-3} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question is based on ionic equilibrium, specifically calculating the solubility of a sparingly soluble metal hydroxide in a buffer solution of a known $\text{pH}$.
We first need to determine the solubility product constant ($K_{sp}$) of lead hydroxide from its solubility in pure water, and then find its modified solubility in the buffer.
Step 2: Key Formulas and Approach:
Solubility in Water: For $\text{Pb(OH)}_2$, the dissociation is $\text{Pb(OH)}_2 \rightleftharpoons \text{Pb}^{2+} + 2\text{OH}^-$. The relation is:
\[ K_{sp} = 4s^3 \]
Buffer Solution Properties: In a buffer solution, the $\text{pH}$ remains constant. We can find the concentration of $\text{OH}^-$ ions using:
\[ \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 \quad \text{and} \quad [\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-\text{pOH}} \]
Solubility in Buffer: Let the new solubility be $s'$. The relation is $K_{sp} = s' [\text{OH}^-]^2$.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Calculate $K_{sp$ of Lead Hydroxide:}
The solubility in water is $s = 6.7 \times 10^{-6}\text{ M}$.
\[ K_{sp} = 4s^3 = 4 \times (6.7 \times 10^{-6})^3 \] \[ K_{sp} = 4 \times 300.76 \times 10^{-18} \approx 1.2 \times 10^{-15} \]
Calculate Hydroxyl Ion Concentration in the Buffer:
The buffer solution has a $\text{pH} = 8$.
\[ \text{pOH} = 14 - 8 = 6 \] \[ [\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-6}\text{ M} \]
Calculate the Solubility in the Buffer ($s'$):
In the buffer solution, the concentration of $\text{OH}^-$ is maintained strictly at $10^{-6}\text{ M}$.
\[ K_{sp} = [\text{Pb}^{2+}][\text{OH}^-]^2 \] \[ 1.2 \times 10^{-15} = s' \times (10^{-6})^2 \] \[ 1.2 \times 10^{-15} = s' \times 10^{-12} \] \[ s' = \frac{1.2 \times 10^{-15}}{10^{-12}} = 1.2 \times 10^{-3}\text{ M} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The solubility of lead hydroxide in the buffer solution is $1.2 \times 10^{-3}\text{ M}$, which corresponds to Option (D).
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