The solubility of alkaline earth metal sulphates in water follows the trend . Which thermodynamic fa — s Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
The solubility of alkaline earth metal sulphates in water follows the trend $BeSO_4 > MgSO_4 > CaSO_4 > SrSO_4 > BaSO_4$. Which thermodynamic factor is primarily responsible for this sharp decrease in solubility down the group?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
For large polyatomic anions like $SO_4^{2-}$, the lattice energy is dominated by the anion and remains relatively constant down the group. However, the hydration enthalpy drops sharply as the cation size increases from $Be^{2+}$ to $Ba^{2+}$. Thus, hydration energy overcomes lattice energy only for $Be$ and $Mg$.
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