Question

Use the equation of sodium chloride dissolving in water to complete the activity. NaCl(s)⇌Na+(aq)+Cl−(aq) A student prepares a saturated sodium chloride solution. The student adds concentrated sodium hydroxide ( NaOH ) to the solution until a precipitate forms. What is happening with the equilibrium? In three to five sentences, explain your answer. (4 points)

Answer 1

When concentrated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to the saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, it increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in the solution. According to Le Chatelier's principle, the equilibrium will shift to counteract this change. The Na⁺ ions from the dissociation of NaCl can interact with hydroxide ions, leading to the formation of sodium hydroxide. If the concentration of Na⁺ exceeds its solubility limit in the presence of added hydroxide ions, this can result in the precipitation of sodium chloride, thereby shifting the equilibrium to the left and reducing the concentration of dissolved Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. As a result, a precipitate forms when the solubility of NaCl is exceeded.