Using a value of Ksp = 1.8 x 10-2 for the reaction PbCl2 Pb+2(aq) + 2Cl -(aq).
If the value of Ksp was determined to be only 1.2 x 10-2:

Too much solid has dissolved.
Additional precipitate is forming.
The solution is unsaturated.
The ions are now combining to reduce their concentrations.

Question

Using a value of Ksp = 1.8 x 10-2 for the reaction PbCl2 Pb+2(aq) + 2Cl -(aq).
If the value of Ksp was determined to be only 1.2 x 10-2:


Too much solid has dissolved.
Additional precipitate is forming.
The solution is unsaturated.
The ions are now combining to reduce their concentrations.

jfraser · Answer

the KSP gets us the maximum allowable concentrations before a ppt will form out of a solution, so if hte Q value is less than K, no ppt will form so the solution is unsaturated