Question

The solubility of $AgCl$ in $NaCl$ solution is less than that in pure water, because of the ________.

• A. solubility product of $AgCl$ is less than of $NaCl$
• B. common ion effect
• C. both $A$ and $B$
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

common ion effect

Since, $NaCl$ is soluble to a very significant extent, when $AgCl$ is added to $NaCl$ solution, the common ion $\left[C{l}^{-}\right]$ increases in the solution. To have the solubility product or $K_{sp}$ of $AgCl$ constant, $\left[A{g}^{+}\right]$ will decrease or $AgCl$ will percipitate out from the solution. This is common ion effect. Hence solubility of $AgCl$ in $NaCl$ solution will be less than that in pure water.