Solubility

Solubility is a measure of how well a substance will dissolve in another, water most of the time.  There are three categories of solubility, soluble, slightly soluble, and insoluble.  To know what compounds and substances are of these three categories there are seven rules or guidelines to help.

1.                All nitrates are soluble.

2.                Alkali metals ions and ammonium ions are soluble.

3.                Halides are soluble except when they are combined with silver, lead, or mercury (1) ions.

4.                Most sulfates are soluble except for ones combined with lead, barium, strontium, calcium, and mercury (1) ions.

5.                Most hydroxide salts are slightly soluble.  However, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide are soluble.  Examples such as barium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide are slightly soluble.

6.                Sulfides, carbonates, chromates, and phosphates are insoluble.

7.                Calcium ions, strontium ions, and barium ions are slightly soluble.

*****It is important to remember to not associate solubility with electrical conductivity.

Just because something is very soluble does not necessarily mean that it will conduct an electric current well.