The solubility of these salts in water depends on their ionic/covalent character and their solubility products (Ksp).
- Na2S: As an alkali metal salt, it is highly ionic and highly soluble in water.
- ZnS and CuS: Both are heavy metal sulphides and are sparingly soluble. However, according to Fajan's rules, Cu2+ has a higher polarising power than Zn2+, making CuS more covalent and less soluble than ZnS. This is also consistent with qualitative analysis, where CuS precipitates in Group II (acidic medium, requiring very low S2− concentration due to its extremely low Ksp≈10−36), whereas ZnS precipitates in Group IV (basic medium, requiring higher S2− concentration as its Ksp≈10−24).
Therefore, the correct decreasing order of solubility is Na2S>ZnS>CuS.