Question

Explain the term 'solubility product'. How does it differ from ionic product?

Answer 1

Solubility product represent the product of the concentrations of the ions in the solution.

The term ionic product has a broad meaning since, it is applicable to all types of solutions, either unsaturated or saturated and varies accordingly.

On the other hand, the term solubility product is applied only to a saturated solution in which there exists a dynamic equilibrium between the undissolved salt and the ions present in solution. Thus the solubility product is in fact the ionic product for a saturated solution at a constant temperature.