When will a salt become less soluble in water?

Factors affecting the solubility of salt in water

Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent. When it comes to salts dissolving in water, several factors can affect their solubility. One of the key aspects to consider is how temperature and pressure impact the solubility of salts in water.

When will a salt become less soluble in water?

• When pressure is increased
• When temperature is decreased

Final answer:

The solubility of a salt in water can become less soluble when temperature is decreased and when pressure is increased.

Explanation:

The solubility of a salt in water can become less soluble under two conditions: when temperature is decreased and when pressure is increased.

When temperature is decreased, the kinetic energy of the solvent and solute decreases. This leads to a decrease in the ability of the solute particles to dissolve and a decrease in solubility.

On the other hand, when pressure is increased, the solubility of a gas, such as carbon dioxide, decreases. As pressure increases, more gas molecules are in contact with the water, causing more of them to dissolve. However, when pressure is decreased, the gas molecules have a greater tendency to escape from the solvent and return to the gas phase, resulting in a decrease in solubility.