According to general solubility rules, which of the following types of substances are most likely to dissolve readily in water?

• A. Carbonates of transition metals (such as FeCO3)
• B. Most silver salts (such as AgCl)
• C. Ionic compounds containing alkali metal ions (such as Na+ or K+)
• D. Sulfides of heavy metals (such as PbS)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general solubility rules for ionic compounds in water, which help predict whether a substance will dissolve readily.
2. Note that compounds containing alkali metal ions (such as Na\^+ or K\^+) are generally soluble in water regardless of the anion they are paired with.
3. Recognize that carbonates of transition metals (like FeCO\_3) tend to be insoluble or only sparingly soluble in water.
4. Understand that most silver salts (such as AgCl) are poorly soluble in water, often forming precipitates.
5. Know that sulfides of heavy metals (such as PbS) are typically insoluble or have very low solubility in water.