Introduction
Dilution is a process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding solvent. Molarity is a measure of concentration, which is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. In this article, we will discuss molarity by dilution and its application in the field of chemistry.
Dilution Formula
The dilution formula is straightforward and easy to understand. It is represented as M1V1 = M2V2, where M1 is the initial concentration, V1 is the initial volume, M2 is the final concentration, and V2 is the final volume. This formula is used to calculate the concentration of a solution after dilution.
Example of Dilution Calculation
Suppose we have a 0.5 M solution of sulfuric acid, and we want to dilute it to 0.1 M. We need to calculate the volume of water that needs to be added to achieve the desired concentration. Using the dilution formula, we get: M1V1 = M2V2 0.5 x V1 = 0.1 x (V1 + V2) V1 = 0.1V1 + 0.1V2 0.9V1 = 0.1V2 V2/V1 = 9/1 This means that we need to add nine volumes of water for every one volume of the 0.5 M solution to get a 0.1 M solution.
Application of Molarity by Dilution
Molarity by dilution is a widely used concept in chemistry. It is used to prepare solutions of a known concentration for use in experiments, chemical reactions, and analysis. For example, in the medical field, molarity by dilution is used to prepare solutions of drugs for intravenous injection. In the food industry, it is used to prepare solutions of preservatives and flavors.
Limitations of Molarity by Dilution
Although molarity by dilution is a useful concept, it has some limitations. One of the limitations is that it assumes that the solute and solvent are evenly mixed, which may not always be the case. Another limitation is that it does not take into account the effect of temperature on the solubility of the solute.
Conclusion
Molarity by dilution is an essential concept in chemistry that is used to prepare solutions of a known concentration. It is a straightforward and easy-to-understand formula that has a wide range of applications in various fields. However, it is essential to keep in mind its limitations when designing experiments or preparing solutions for use in industry.