This document discusses the physical properties of solutions and different units used to measure concentration. It introduces mole fraction as a unit-less ratio that can be used to calculate the concentration of a solute in a solution given the percentage by mass. For example, if given that a solution is 40% ethanol by mass in water, the mole fraction of ethanol can be calculated by converting the percentage to moles of ethanol and water and plugging those values into the mole fraction equation.
This document discusses the physical properties of solutions and different units used to measure concentration. It introduces mole fraction as a unit-less ratio that can be used to calculate the concentration of a solute in a solution given the percentage by mass. For example, if given that a solution is 40% ethanol by mass in water, the mole fraction of ethanol can be calculated by converting the percentage to moles of ethanol and water and plugging those values into the mole fraction equation.
This document discusses the physical properties of solutions and different units used to measure concentration. It introduces mole fraction as a unit-less ratio that can be used to calculate the concentration of a solute in a solution given the percentage by mass. For example, if given that a solution is 40% ethanol by mass in water, the mole fraction of ethanol can be calculated by converting the percentage to moles of ethanol and water and plugging those values into the mole fraction equation.
In the previous lessons we discover the phase changes in terms of the
accompanying changes in energy and forces between particles. Many chemical reactions take place between ions and molecules dissolved in water or other solvents, rather than between pure solids, liquids, or gases. Previously, we looked at the properties of gases, liquids, and solids. In this lesson, we will examine the properties of solutions, concentrating mainly on the role of intermolecular forces in solubility and other physical properties of solution. Quantitative study of a solution requires knowing its concentration, that is, the amount of solute present in each amount of solution. Several different concentration units are used by chemists, each of which has strengths as well as drawbacks. Let us examine the units of concentration: percent by mass, mole fraction, molarity, molality, percent by volume, and parts per million (ppm). The mole fraction is also unitless, because it too, is a ratio of two similar quantities. Example 1.2 What is the mole fraction of the solute in a 40% by mass ethanol (C2H6O) solution in water? Strategy We are given the percentage by mass (40%) of the solute in the solution. Hence, we can calculate the mole fraction through (1) converting the concentration units based on the mass or moles of a solute and solvent or mass percentage, it is useful to assume a certain total mass of solution; (2) changing the masses of the component’s ethanol and water to number of moles; (3) substituting the values obtained in the formula and solve for the mole fraction of the solute ethanol, and solvent water. Solution We write: