FeCO3 is a substance which is only partially soluble in water. The equilibrium reaction in water can be expressed as below.
FeCO3(s) -----------> Fe2+(aq) + CO3(2-)(aq)
For this reaction, the equilibrium constant,Ksp is given by,
Ksp = [Fe2+(aq)][CO3(2-)(aq)]
To solve this problem, you need to find the solubility product or Ksp for FeCO3. Assuming you are refering to a soultion at ambient temperature (25 C), I found the value of the Ksp as,
Ksp = 3.13 x 10^(-11)
Now in a pure FeCO3 solution, according to stoichiometry,
[Fe2+(aq)] = [CO3(2-)(aq)]
Ksp = [Fe2+(aq)][CO3(2-)(aq)]
But, since [Fe2+(aq)] = [CO3(2-)(aq)]
3.13 x 10^(-11) = ([Fe2+(aq)])^2
Therefore,
[Fe2+(aq)] = 5.595 x 10^(-06) mol/L
Therefore number of moles of Fe2+ dissolved in solution is 5.595 x 10^(-06) mol/L. Again according to stoichiometry amount of FeCO3 dissolved is 5.595 x 10^(-06) mol/L.
Therefore molar solubility of FeCO3 is 5.595 x 10^(-06) mol/L.
Consider 15 L of this FeCO3 solution,
Number of FeCO3 mols in 15 L,
= 5.595 x 10^(-06) mol/L x 15 L
= 8.3925 x 10^(-5) mol
The molar mass of FeCO3 is,
= (55.8+12+3x16)
= 115.8 g/mol
Therefore FeCO3 grams dissolved in 15 L is,
= 116 g/mol x 8.3925 x 10^(-5) mol
= 9.719 x 10^(-3) g.
Therefore FeCO3 grams dissolved in 15 L is 9.719 mg.
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