Magnesium hydroxide is only very slightly soluble in water. The reaction by which it goes into solution is:

Mg(OH)_2 (s) <=> Mg^2+ (aq) +2 OH- (aq)

a.) Formulate the expression for the equilibrium constant, K_sp, for the above reaction.

b.) It is possible to dissolve significant amounts of Mg(OH)_2 in solutions in which the concentration of either Mg^2+ or OH- is very , very small. Explain, using K_sp, why this is the case.

c.) Explain why Mg(OH)_2 might have very appreciable solubility in 1 M HCl. (consider the effect of reaction 3 on the Mg(OH)_2 solution reaction.)