Analyzing X Substance Purity in a 4-Substance Solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of determining the purity of substance X in a solution containing four substances (X, Y, Z, and W) with varying pH levels. Participants explore the implications of having multiple substances with different pH values and the challenges associated with their concentrations and volumes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that it may not be possible to determine the purity of substance X due to the presence of multiple substances with unknown volumes in the solution.
  • Another participant expresses confusion, stating that a solution cannot have several different pH values simultaneously.
  • A third participant interprets the initial post as referring to the pH of each substance when isolated.
  • Another participant notes that the question requires further assumptions regarding the meaning of "at 100% concentration" and emphasizes the importance of clarification to understand the question's validity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are differing interpretations of the problem and its feasibility. Some express skepticism about the initial premise, while others seek clarification.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of concentration and the implications of having multiple substances with different pH levels in the same solution.

steve2212
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Say you have a solution with 4 substances, X substance with pH 3.3, Y with a pH of 2.6, Z substance pH of 2.4 and W with a pH of 2.5. All of the substances are at 100% concentration

You also know the volume and pH of the overall solution.

Is it possible to determine purity in terms of X? (concentration). I was thinking no because there are too many substances of unknown volume in the solution.
 
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No idea what you mean - you can't have solution with several different pH's at the same time.

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I think he is referring to the PH of each substance when it is in his own.
 
Probably, but even then question requires fiurther assumptions about what he means by "at 100% concentration". Instead of guesswork I prefer to ask for clarification - besides, quite often trying to clarify people start to understand why question has no answer :wink:

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methods
 

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