Ionic compounds dissolve in water by dissociating into their constituent ions. This process is crucial in chemical reactions, particularly in the context of ion-exchange processes and precipitation reactions. When lead(II) acetate and sodium sulfide are mixed and dissolved in water, the ionic compounds dissociate into their respective ions.For example:
- Lead(II) acetate dissolves as \(\text{Pb}^{2+}\) and \(\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-\)
- Sodium sulfide dissolves as \(\text{Na}^+\) and \(\text{S}^{2-}\)
Through dissolution, the ions become free to react with each other. This freedom enables reactions like the formation of lead sulfide precipitate, where the lead and sulfide ions bond again.In the result of this particular exercise, the filtrate ultimately contains the ions that remain dissolved: sodium ions \(\text{Na}^+\), and acetate ions \(\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-\). The sulfide and lead ions combine to form the insoluble lead sulfide, leaving the others in solution. Comprehending the dissolution of ionic compounds aids in understanding which ions remain active in a solution after reactions.