MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #5366

A student compares the solubility of Group 2 sulfates and finds that Magnesium sulfate is soluble while Barium sulfate is insoluble. This trend occurs because:

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #5366

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student compares the solubility of Group 2 sulfates and finds that Magnesium sulfate is soluble while Barium sulfate is insoluble. This trend occurs because:

    • A) Lattice energy of Magnesium sulfate is higher than Barium sulfate
    • B) Hydration energy of Magnesium ion is much higher than Barium ion
    • C) Electronegativity of Barium is higher than Magnesium
    • D) Ionic radius of Magnesium is larger than Barium

    Answer: Hydration energy of Magnesium ion is much higher than Barium ion

    Explanation: Magnesium sulfate has a high hydration energy that outweighs its lattice energy, unlike Barium sulfate which has a dominant lattice energy.