Convert nitrate standard of 50 ppm to its nitrogen content

In summary, the maximum concentration permitted for nitrate ion is 44 ppm based on its molar mass. To convert this to nitrogen content in ppm, simply use the ratio of 14 g nitrogen to 62 g nitrate ion. Therefore, the concentration of nitrogen in 50 ppm nitrate is (14/62)*50 = 11 ppm. There is no need to multiply by 10.
  • #1
Frankenstein19
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Homework Statement


Convert the nitrate standard of 50 ppm to its nitrogen content

Homework Equations


Since NO3 contains one nitrogen, molar mass 14.01, in a total molar mass of 14.01 + (3 *16.00) = 62.01, the maximum concentration permitted expressed as nitrate ion itself is (62.01/14.01) *10= 44 ppm

This is what's in my books and I THINK it pertains to the question, however, I don't know why its being multiplied by 10 at the end.

The Attempt at a Solution


My guess would be that it would be 50ppm divided by the maximum concentration permitted, so 50/44=1.136, but that's wrong since my books says it's 11ppm. Unless I need to multiply by that mysterious 10...
 
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  • #2
First of all - it is not clear to me how to understand "the nitrogen content".

But in general, assuming it just means concentration of nitrogen in ppm, none of the approaches listed makes sense to me. Yes, there are 14 g of nitrogen per 62 g of nitrate ion, so if there is 50 ppm of nitrate, concentration of nitrogen is 14/62*50 ppm. Nothing more fancy.
 

1. What is nitrate standard and why is it important?

Nitrate standard is a solution containing a known concentration of nitrate ions. It is used as a reference for measuring the concentration of nitrate in a sample. It is important because it allows for accurate and precise measurements of nitrogen content, which is crucial in many scientific and industrial applications.

2. How is nitrate standard of 50 ppm converted to its nitrogen content?

Nitrate standard of 50 ppm can be converted to its nitrogen content by multiplying the concentration by the molar mass of nitrogen (14.0067 g/mol) and the conversion factor of 0.226. This will give the nitrogen content in mg/L or mg/kg, depending on the unit of the original nitrate standard.

3. Why is the conversion factor for nitrate standard 0.226?

The conversion factor for nitrate standard is 0.226 because it represents the molar mass ratio of nitrate (NO3-) to nitrogen (N). This factor is used in the conversion from nitrate concentration to nitrogen concentration, as nitrate contains one nitrogen atom per molecule.

4. Can the conversion of nitrate standard to its nitrogen content be applied to all types of nitrate compounds?

No, the conversion of nitrate standard to its nitrogen content may not be applicable to all types of nitrate compounds. The conversion factor and molar mass used may vary depending on the specific nitrate compound. It is important to use the correct conversion factors and molar masses for accurate results.

5. Is there a specific unit for expressing nitrogen content from nitrate standard?

Yes, the most commonly used unit for expressing nitrogen content from nitrate standard is mg/L (milligrams per liter) or mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram). However, other units such as ppm (parts per million) or percent (%) may also be used, depending on the specific application and the unit of the original nitrate standard. It is important to specify the unit when reporting nitrogen content from nitrate standard.

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