Question detail
Which of the following Group 2 sulfates is the most soluble in water?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Question
- A. Barium sulfate
- B. Calcium sulfate
- C. Magnesium sulfate
- D. Strontium sulfate
Answer
Magnesium sulfate
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate is the most soluble sulfate among Group 2 sulfates, as solubility generally increases down the group, but magnesium sulfate remains highly soluble compared to others.
Common mistake
Solubility Confusion
Students often confuse the solubility trends of Group 2 hydroxides and sulfates, incorrectly stating that both become less soluble down the group.
To correct this, remember that Group 2 hydroxides increase in solubility down the group, while sulfates decrease in solubility. For example, barium hydroxide is more soluble than magnesium hydroxide, but barium sulfate is less soluble than magnesium sulfate. This can be summarized as follows: - Hydroxides: - Rule: Solubility increases down the group. - Example: Mg(OH)₂ (sparingly soluble) < Ca(OH)₂ (more soluble) < Ba(OH)₂ (most soluble). - Sulfates: - Rule: Solubility decreases down the group. - Example: MgSO₄ (soluble) > CaSO₄ (less soluble) > BaSO₄ (insoluble).
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