Calculating Percent Acetic Acid by Weight in Vinegar: A Simple Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the percent acetic acid by weight in vinegar, focusing on the relationship between molarity, mass, and volume. Participants explore the necessary calculations and conversions involved in determining the concentration of acetic acid in a vinegar solution.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the molarity of acetic acid in vinegar is 0.208 mol/L and seeks guidance on calculating the percent by weight.
  • Another participant suggests assuming a one-liter solution to simplify calculations, prompting questions about the number of moles and grams of acetic acid and the total mass of the solution.
  • A participant calculates 13.3 g of acetic acid from 0.208 moles, leading to a percent by weight of 17.0% based on their total mass of vinegar.
  • Another participant challenges the calculation of 13.3 g, arguing that using the molar mass of 60.5 g/mol should yield a different mass of approximately 12.58 grams.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of correctly converting percentage to molarity and suggests reviewing the final formula for percentage calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculation of the mass of acetic acid, with some agreeing on the approach while others challenge the results. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct mass and percentage calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the molar mass used in calculations, as well as the assumptions made about the solution's density and total mass.

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The molarity and percent by weight of the acetic acid in the vinegar. Use a value of 1.005 g/mL for the density of the vinegar.

Acetic acid molarity in vinegar = .208 mol / L

How do you calculate the Percent acetic acid by weight (using the acetic acid molarity)?

Thanks for the help.
 
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Assume you've got one liter of solution, to simplify things. How many moles of acetic acid is that? How many grams of acetic acid is that? How many grams of solution do you have? Should be easy to figure out from there.
 
RE

Well, I have .208 moles of solution and 13.3 g of Acetic acid . . . I have 78 grams of Vinegar so 13.3 / 78 = 17.0% ahh I see

thanks for the help

P.S. How do I become a chem super freak like you? :wink:
 
hey how did u get 13.3 g of acetic acid from 0.208 moles provided that the molar mass is 60.5 . since, moles = mass/molar mass
therefore , mass = 60.5 * 0.208 = 12.58 grams ?
i have an assignment due on this , in the next 3 hrs. please help someone ?
 
Molar mass is 60.05, which makes 13.3 even more difficult to understand.

Check how to convert percentage to molarity - you can solve final formula for percentage.
 

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