For a sparingly soluble salt of type AX2, its dissociation equilibrium is:
AX2(s)⇌A2+(aq)+2X−(aq)
If S is the molar solubility, then the equilibrium concentrations of the ions are:
[A2+]=S
[X−]=2S
The solubility product constant (Ksp) is given by:
Ksp=[A2+][X−]2
Ksp=(S)(2S)2=4S3
Given that Ksp=3.2×10−11, we can rewrite it as 32×10−12 for easier calculation:
4S3=32×10−12
S3=432×10−12
S3=8×10−12
Taking the cube root of both sides:
S=(8×10−12)31=2×10−4 mol/L
Thus, the solubility of the salt is 2×10−4 mol/L.