For which salt in each of the following groups will the solubility depend on pH?

Pb(OH)2
PbCl2

could you explain too?
thanks!

1 answer

You are working with (H^+)(OH^-) = Kw = 1E-14. This is the ion product of water which is a constant of 1E-14. So Pb(OH)2 will be the one that is pH depended BECAUSE that is the one with OH^- in it. As you change the pH, you are changing the H^+ (of course) so the OH must change, too. I think it is simpler to look at it as a Le Chatelier's Principle problem.
Pb(OH)2(s) ==> Pb^2+ + 2OH^-
Now, what happens as I increase H^+. That reacts with OH to form water and shifts the reaction to the right which has the effect of increasing the solubility of Pb(OH)2.