Solving for the Initial Volume

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 106 views

Introduction

When working with chemical solutions, it's often necessary to dilute a concentrated solution to a specific concentration. In this scenario, we're tasked with determining the volume of a 4.00 M sulfuric acid ( ${H_2SO_4}$ ) solution required to make 12.0 mL of a 0.50 M ${H_2SO_4}$ solution. To solve this problem, we'll need to use the concept of molarity and the dilution equation.

Understanding Molarity

Molarity is a measure of the concentration of a solution, expressed as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. It's denoted by the symbol ${M}$ and is calculated using the formula:

${ M = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}} }$

In this case, we have two solutions with different concentrations:

The concentrated solution has a concentration of 4.00 M ${H_2SO_4}$ .
The desired solution has a concentration of 0.50 M ${H_2SO_4}$ .

The Dilution Equation

To dilute a solution, we need to use the dilution equation, which is:

${ M_1V_1 = M_2V_2 }$

where:

${M_1}$ is the initial concentration of the solution (4.00 M in this case)
${V_1}$ is the initial volume of the solution (which we need to find)
${M_2}$ is the final concentration of the solution (0.50 M in this case)
${V_2}$ is the final volume of the solution (12.0 mL in this case)

Solving for the Initial Volume

We can rearrange the dilution equation to solve for the initial volume ( ${V_1}$ ):

${ V_1 = \frac{M_2V_2}{M_1} }$

Plugging in the values, we get:

${ V_1 = \frac{(0.50 \text{ M})(12.0 \text{ mL})}{4.00 \text{ M}} }$

Calculating the Initial Volume

Now, let's perform the calculation:

${ V_1 = \frac{(0.50 \text{ M})(12.0 \text{ mL})}{4.00 \text{ M}} }$

${ V_1 = \frac{6.0 \text{ mL}}{4.00 \text{ M}} }$

${ V_1 = 1.5 \text{ mL} }$

Conclusion

To make 12.0 mL of a 0.50 M ${H_2SO_4}$ solution, we need to dilute 1.5 mL of a 4.00 M ${H_2SO_4}$ solution. This can be achieved by using the dilution equation and rearranging it to solve for the initial volume.

Equation Used

The equation used in this problem is the dilution equation:

${ M_1V_1 = M_2V_2 }$

This equation is a fundamental concept in chemistry and is used to calculate the volume of a solution required to achieve a specific concentration.

Importance of Molarity

Molarity is a critical concept in chemistry, as it allows us to calculate the concentration of a solution. In this problem, we used molarity to determine the volume of the concentrated solution required to make the desired solution. Understanding molarity is essential in chemistry, as it helps us to accurately calculate the concentration of solutions and make informed decisions in laboratory settings.

Real-World Applications

The concept of dilution is crucial in various real-world applications, such as:

Pharmaceuticals: Dilution is used to prepare medications in the correct concentration for patients.
Chemical Synthesis: Dilution is used to prepare reactants in the correct concentration for chemical reactions.
Environmental Monitoring: Dilution is used to prepare samples for analysis in environmental monitoring.

In conclusion, the dilution equation is a powerful tool in chemistry, and understanding molarity is essential in calculating the concentration of solutions. By applying the dilution equation, we can accurately determine the volume of a solution required to achieve a specific concentration, making it a fundamental concept in chemistry.

Q: What is the purpose of diluting a sulfuric acid solution?

A: Diluting a sulfuric acid solution is necessary to achieve a specific concentration for various applications, such as laboratory experiments, chemical synthesis, or pharmaceutical preparations.

Q: What is the dilution equation, and how is it used?

A: The dilution equation is:

${ M_1V_1 = M_2V_2 }$

This equation is used to calculate the volume of a solution required to achieve a specific concentration. By rearranging the equation, we can solve for the initial volume ( ${V_1}$ ) or the final volume ( ${V_2}$ ).

Q: What is molarity, and why is it important?

A: Molarity is a measure of the concentration of a solution, expressed as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. It's denoted by the symbol ${M}$ and is calculated using the formula:

${ M = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}} }$

Understanding molarity is essential in chemistry, as it allows us to accurately calculate the concentration of solutions and make informed decisions in laboratory settings.

Q: How do I calculate the volume of a solution required to achieve a specific concentration?

A: To calculate the volume of a solution required to achieve a specific concentration, you can use the dilution equation:

${ V_1 = \frac{M_2V_2}{M_1} }$

where:

${M_1}$ is the initial concentration of the solution
${V_1}$ is the initial volume of the solution (which you need to find)
${M_2}$ is the final concentration of the solution
${V_2}$ is the final volume of the solution

Q: What are some real-world applications of dilution?

A: Dilution is used in various real-world applications, such as:

Pharmaceuticals: Dilution is used to prepare medications in the correct concentration for patients.
Chemical Synthesis: Dilution is used to prepare reactants in the correct concentration for chemical reactions.
Environmental Monitoring: Dilution is used to prepare samples for analysis in environmental monitoring.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when diluting a solution?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when diluting a solution include:

Incorrect calculation of the initial volume: Make sure to use the correct values for the initial concentration, final concentration, and final volume.
Incorrect measurement of the initial volume: Use a precise measuring device to measure the initial volume.
Incorrect handling of the solution: Handle the solution with care, and avoid contamination or spills.

Q: How do I ensure accurate results when diluting a solution?

A: To ensure accurate results when diluting a solution, follow these steps:

Use a precise measuring device: Use a precise measuring device to measure the initial volume and final volume.
Calculate the initial volume correctly: Use the correct values for the initial concentration, final concentration, and final volume.
Handle the solution with care: Handle the solution with care, and avoid contamination or spills.
Verify the results: Verify the results by checking the concentration of the final solution using a reliable method.

By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure accurate results when diluting a solution.