Question

Plumbosolvancy means dissolution of lcad in (1) hot water (2) acids (3) ordinary water (4) alkalis

Short answer

Acids and alkalis.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Plumbosolvency

Plumbosolvancy refers to the dissolution or solubility of lead in various solvents. It is crucial to understand the environments in which lead can dissolve.

- Evaluate Each Option

Determine the nature of each option given: hot water, acids, ordinary water, and alkalis. It is known that lead dissolves in the presence of slightly acidic or basic conditions but dissolves poorly in neutral, cold, or pure water.

- Eliminate Unlikely Options

Considering the nature of lead and its interactions: ordinary water is less likely to dissolve lead significantly. Likewise, hot water alone does not cause significant lead dissolution without being acidic or alkaline.

- Select the Most Likely Options

Acids and alkalis are well-known solvents that can cause the dissolution of lead due to their chemical properties. Lead reacts with acids to form lead salts and with alkalis to form soluble lead compounds.

- Final Selection

Review steps and confirm that the solvents which can dissolve lead significantly are acids and alkalis.

Key concepts

lead dissolution

Lead dissolution, also known as plumbosolvency, refers to the process of lead mixing with a liquid and becoming part of the solution. This can happen in various environments, but some conditions make it more likely for lead to dissolve. Understanding these conditions is vital when studying the solubility of lead in different solvents.

acidic conditions

Acidic conditions significantly affect the dissolution of lead. Acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4), can react with lead, creating lead salts. These reactions increase the solubility of lead in the solution. When the environment has a low pH (high acidity), lead dissolves more readily. This is because acids donate H+ ions, which facilitate the breakdown of lead into soluble forms.

basic conditions

Basic or alkaline conditions are those that have a high pH, indicating a presence of OH- ions. Alkalis, like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), can also dissolve lead by forming soluble lead compounds. When lead reacts with these basic solutions, it forms compounds such as lead hydroxides. Therefore, environments with high pH levels can significantly increase the dissolution of lead.

solubility of lead

The solubility of lead varies depending on its chemical environment. Lead dissolves poorly in neutral or pure water but better in the presence of acids or bases. Key factors influencing lead solubility include:

• Temperature: Hot water alone is not a strong solvent for lead unless it is acidic or basic.
• pH Level: Both acidic and basic conditions enhance the solubility of lead.
• Chemical Composition: The presence of certain ions or compounds can increase or decrease lead solubility.

Understanding these factors helps in predicting and controlling the dissolution of lead in different situations.