A saturated solution of MgF2 at 23 degrees C was prepared by dissolving solid MgF2 in 1 L water. The Ksp of MgF2 is 1.5e-5.

Question

a.)Calculate the mass of MgF2 dissolved.
b.) When .1 mols of solid KF was dissolved in the MgF2 solution, precipitation was observed. Find the mass of the additional precipitate.

I think I get a, I just found the molarity of Mg2+ using the Ksp and then converted to grams; but, I have no idea how to do b. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

The b part is a common ion problem; i.e., F^- is the ion common to both KF and MgF2.
For part b, Ksp = (Mg^2+)(F^-)^2
The common ion shifts the solubility to the left. MgF2 ==> Mg^2+ + 2F^-
because of Le Chatlier's Principle. The new solubility will = new (Mg^2+) and you can convert that to g MgF2 in the 1L. Subtraction from the initial amount will give you the amount pptd.

Answer 2

I'm sorry but I am still so confused on pretty much everything. How do you calculate the new solubility? And how do you convert that to g MgF2 in 1L? And what is the initial amount that you subtract from?