What [I] should be maintained in KI(aq) to produce a solubility of 2.0×10−5 mol PbI2/L when PbI2 is added?

i did...x^3 = 2.0*10^-5 but that didn't work out too well. help?

1 answer

PbI2 ==> Pb^+2 + 2I^-

X^3 doesn't work because the problem TELLS you the solubility of PbI2 if I^- is such and such a level. The problem wants you to calculate (I^-) to maintain that level.
Ksp = (Pb^+2)(I^-)^2
You know Ksp and you know PbI2 (which, by the way, is the same as Pb^+2), so plug those in and solve for I^-.