Hydroxyapatite, Ca_5(PO_4)_3OH, is present in our tooth enamel. It undergoes continuous reversible reactions with the minerals supplied from saliva as seen in the following reaction: Ca_5(PO_4)_3 OH(s) 5 Ca^+2 (aq) + 3 PO_4^-3 (aq) + OH^- (aq) At equilibrium, the concentration of OH^- (aq) is 2.00 times 10^-4 mol/L. What is the value of K_sp? A. 2.00 times 10^-4 B. 1.20 times 10^-10 C. 2.16 times 10^-25 D. 4.32 times 10^-29
Expert Answer
Answer
At equilibrium, the concentration of [OH-] = 2*10^-4 M
Therefore the concentration of [5Ca+2] = 5*2*10^-4 = 10^-3 M
The concentration of [3PO43-] = 3*2*10^-4 = 6*10^-4 M
Ksp for this reaction
Ksp = [5Ca2+]5 * [3PO43-]3 * [OH-]
Ksp = (10-3)5 * (6*10-4)3 * (2*10-4) = 4.32 * 10-29
Option D is the correct answer