Calculating Volume of 6.0M H2SO4 to Make 0.25M Solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the volume of a 6.0M H2SO4 solution needed to prepare a 0.25M solution with a final volume of 50.0 mL. The scope includes conceptual understanding of molarity and its application in dilution calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to determine the volume needed for dilution and mentions the lack of examples in textbooks.
  • Another participant clarifies the terminology used in the problem, explaining that "6.0M H2SO4" refers to a concentration of six moles per liter.
  • A third participant introduces the dilution equation, c1v1 = c2v2, to relate the concentrations and volumes of the solutions.
  • Additionally, a participant notes that molarity multiplied by volume yields millimoles when using mL, and emphasizes the importance of consistent units.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the terminology and the application of the dilution formula, but there is no consensus on how to proceed with the calculation itself, as one participant remains confused about the problem's requirements.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clarity in understanding molarity and the relationship between moles and volume, but the discussion does not resolve the initial participant's confusion regarding the calculation process.

scavok
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I've been trying to figure this problem out for atleast an hour, I just don't understand how to get the volume. I can't find any examples of such problems in my textbooks, only problems to get the mass, not volume.

Here's the question verbatim:
What volume (mL) of 6.0M H2SO4 should be taken in order to prepare 50.0 mL of a solution which is 0.25M in H2SO4?

The molecular weight of H2SO4 is 98.078amu (g/mol)

I don't really even know where to go from there. I guess you would need the amount of grams in .25M of H2SO4, which is 24.520g. But how the heck do you get volume? You would need the density, wouldn't you?

Maybe if someone could just rewrite the question using different terms I would understand it. It doesn't even seem like it's written in english to me. Particularly the "which is 0.25M in H2SO4" part.

Thanks for the help
 
Last edited:
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It looks like you're having a problem with terminology here. The problem does give you all of the information you need to solve it. It can be easily translated into english ( :wink: ) from the fairly commonplace chemistry shorthand used to indicate solution concentrations. 6.0M H2SO4 should be read as "six molar sulfuric acid". What is this "molar"? It is a unit for concentration, a shorthand for moles per litre! Now the problem should make sense, as you have been given the initial and desired final solution concentrations.
 
c1v1 = c2v2

c1: initial concentration
c2: final concentration
v1: initial volume
v2: final volume

Keep your units consistent.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As an addition to the friends posted, molarity times volume gives millimoles if M and mL are used, respectively. You'll get moles if M and L are used (resp.). I think it would be better to quote this:

[tex]molarity=\frac{moles}{liters} or \frac{millimoles}{milliliters}[/tex]
 

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