Question Error Report

Thank you for reporting, we will resolve it shortly

Back to Question

Q. The solubility order of the chlorides of the alkali metals is

The s-Block Elements

Solution:

The reason why the solubility of most group one metals decreases on descending the group is that the lattice energy only changes slightly, but the free energy of hydration changes rather more. (for e.g.) the difference in lattice energy between $NaCl$ and $KCl$ is $67\, kJ\, mol ^{-1}$, and yet the difference in $\Delta G$ (Hydration) for $Na ^{+}$and $K ^{+}$is $76\, kJ\, mol ^{-1}$. Thus $KCl$ is less soluble than $NaCl$.