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Chemistry of Aqueous Solutions

Chapter summary

Chemistry of Aqueous Solutions, at a glance

Calculate acidity, follow titrations and buffers, and predict whether an ionic solid dissolves or precipitates.

A-Level 9476 (2026-2027)

Quick revision

Revisit the essentials, then return to an explanation when you need it.

Choose the pH calculation
  1. Has acid reacted with base?

    Do the mole balance and dilution first.

  2. Identify what remains

    Strong excess: concentration directly. Weak acid/base alone: small-dissociation model. Conjugate pair: buffer ratio.

  3. Check conditions

    Use the stated temperature, correct Kw, justified approximation and relevant indicator range.

Buffers resist small changes by consuming the addition; they have finite capacity. Ocean CO2 uptake consumes carbonate and lowers pH. For solubility, compare the free-ion product with Ksp: a common ion suppresses dissolution, while complexing a dissolved ion can promote it.

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