Which of the following salts is generally considered insoluble in water?

Which of the following salts is generally considered insoluble in water?

  1. Sodium chloride (NaCl)
  2. Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) ✓
  3. Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄)
  4. Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃)

Explanation

Calcium carbonate does not dissolve well in water. This property explains why limestone and chalk do not disappear when wet, and why hard water leaves deposits.

Most carbonates are insoluble except those of sodium, potassium, and ammonium. The carbonate ion forms strong bonds with calcium that water cannot easily break apart.

Sodium chloride, potassium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate all dissolve readily in water. Calcium carbonate’s insolubility makes it useful for building materials and antacid tablets.