Which compound is soluble in water according to Solubility Rule #1?

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Multiple Choice

Which compound is soluble in water according to Solubility Rule #1?

Explanation:
Solubility Rule #1 states that salts containing alkali metal ions are soluble in water. Potassium is an alkali metal, so a compound that contains potassium paired with nitrate will dissolve. Potassium nitrate dissociates into K+ and NO3−, and both ions are strongly hydrated by water, leading to dissolution. The other substances don’t meet this criterion: silver chloride is typically insoluble, calcium sulfate is only sparingly soluble, and barium carbonate is insoluble. Therefore, potassium nitrate is the soluble compound.

Solubility Rule #1 states that salts containing alkali metal ions are soluble in water. Potassium is an alkali metal, so a compound that contains potassium paired with nitrate will dissolve. Potassium nitrate dissociates into K+ and NO3−, and both ions are strongly hydrated by water, leading to dissolution. The other substances don’t meet this criterion: silver chloride is typically insoluble, calcium sulfate is only sparingly soluble, and barium carbonate is insoluble. Therefore, potassium nitrate is the soluble compound.

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