According to general solubility rules, under which condition will a salt typically become less soluble in water?

• A. When the salt is ground into smaller particles
• B. When the salt is stirred more vigorously
• C. When the pressure of the water increases
• D. When the temperature of the water decreases

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that solubility refers to the maximum amount of a solute (such as a salt) that can dissolve in a solvent (like water) at a given temperature and pressure.
2. Understand that solubility is generally affected by temperature, pressure, particle size, and stirring, but not all factors influence solubility equally.
3. Recognize that grinding a salt into smaller particles increases its surface area, which speeds up the rate of dissolution but does not change the equilibrium solubility.
4. Know that stirring helps distribute dissolved ions and speeds up reaching equilibrium but does not affect the maximum solubility itself.
5. Remember that for most solid salts, solubility decreases when the temperature of the water decreases, because solubility is often an endothermic process where higher temperatures favor dissolution.