ksp - solubility product constant is equivalent to equilibrium constant, except this constant is used to determine the solubility of ions of a solid in a solution.
ksp is the product of the soluble ions in the compound. Higher the ksp value, higher the degree of solubility.
ZnCO₃ (s) ---> Zn²⁺ (aq) + CO₃²⁻ (aq)
n n
ksp = [Zn²⁺][CO₃²⁻]
In the equation equal amounts of ions Zn²⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions are soluble.
amount of ions soluble = n
ksp is therefore equal to;
ksp = n x n
ksp = n²
ksp = 1 * 10⁻¹⁰ M
therefore
1 * 10⁻¹⁰ M = n²
n = 1 x 10⁻⁵ M
therefore concentration of CO₃²⁻ = 1 x 10⁻⁵ M
