A student wants to prepare 250 ml of a 0.10 M solution. This task may seem simple, but it requires careful planning and precise execution to ensure the desired concentration is achieved. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in preparing this solution, including selecting the appropriate chemicals, calculating the required amounts, and following proper laboratory techniques.
The first step in preparing the solution is to choose the correct chemical compound. In this case, the student needs to prepare a 0.10 M solution, which means that there should be 0.10 moles of the solute per liter of solution. To achieve this concentration, the student must select a compound with a known molar mass that will provide the desired amount of solute when dissolved in 250 ml of solvent.
Once the appropriate chemical has been chosen, the next step is to calculate the required amount of the compound. To do this, the student needs to know the molar mass of the compound and the desired concentration. The molar mass can be found on the chemical’s label or by searching online. For this example, let’s assume the compound has a molar mass of 100 g/mol.
To determine the amount of the compound needed, the student can use the following formula:
Amount of compound (g) = (Molarity (M) × Volume (L) × Molar mass (g/mol)) / 1000
Plugging in the values for this example, we get:
Amount of compound (g) = (0.10 M × 0.250 L × 100 g/mol) / 1000 = 0.025 g
This means that the student needs to dissolve 0.025 grams of the compound in 250 ml of solvent.
Now that the student has calculated the required amount of the compound, it’s time to prepare the solution. The student should use a clean, dry beaker and a precise balance to measure out the 0.025 grams of the compound. It’s essential to handle the compound with care, as some chemicals can be hazardous if not handled properly.
Next, the student should add a small amount of solvent to the beaker and stir the mixture until the compound is completely dissolved. It’s crucial to ensure that the compound is fully dissolved before adding the remaining solvent to reach the 250 ml mark.
To make the final volume, the student should carefully add the solvent to the beaker, ensuring that the total volume does not exceed 250 ml. Using a graduated cylinder or a pipette can help maintain the desired accuracy.
Once the solution has reached the 250 ml mark, the student should gently stir the mixture to ensure that the compound is evenly distributed throughout the solution. It’s important to note that the solution may take some time to reach the desired concentration, as the solute needs to dissolve completely.
In conclusion, preparing a 250 ml of 0.10 M solution requires careful planning and precise execution. By selecting the appropriate chemical, calculating the required amount, and following proper laboratory techniques, the student can achieve the desired concentration and ensure the solution is ready for use in experiments or other applications.
