How to Calculate the Mass of a Solution in a Calorimeter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a solution in a calorimeter, specifically focusing on a 50 ml solution of 2.00 mol/L Hydrochloric acid (HCl). Participants explore methods to estimate the mass of the solution based on known quantities and density considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the mass of 50 ml of HCl, initially estimating it to be 60 grams.
  • Another participant suggests a more reasonable approximation of 50 grams, referencing a density table that indicates the density of the solution is slightly above 1 g/mL at the given concentration.
  • A third participant provides a specific mass of 51.654 grams, recommending the use of a concentration calculator for precise measurements.
  • Further calculations are presented, indicating a percent weight of approximately 7.2% for the HCl solution, with a density of 1.0331 g/mL at that concentration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact mass of the solution, with differing estimates and methods presented. Some participants propose approximations while others provide specific calculations, indicating a lack of agreement on a definitive answer.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the accuracy of density tables and the assumptions regarding the concentration of the solution. The discussion does not resolve the exact mass due to varying estimates and methods.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or practitioners in chemistry or related fields who are dealing with solution mass calculations in experimental settings.

Mozart
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I messed up in the lab a week or so ago, and was unable to do the lab properly. There was no time to restart so I am missing a crucial piece of data.

I need to know the mass of my calorimeter + the mass of a solution. I know the mass of the calorimeter, and I know the mass of the first component of the solution from an earlier step. All I need to know now is how much mass 50 ml of 2.00 mol/L Hydrochloric acid is in grams. I calculated that there would be 3.6 grams of HCl in the 50 ml so Is there any way to find out the volume of 3.6 grams of HCl now. I would know that the rest is water and be able to calculate its mass.

Can someone who has a lot of experience maybe estimate the mass that would be fine aswell. If worse comes to worse I'll just estimate that it weighs 60 grams. Does this sound reasonable?

Thanks.
 
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A more reasonable approximation would be that the mass of the solution is 50g. You can see on this table
http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=CASC&right=density_tables
that the density of the solution hardly changes as the concentration of HCl is increased. The concentrations are given in percent weight in these tables, though. If you knew what the percent weight of HCL in your solution was exactly you wouldn't need the table, but it is about 3.6/50=7.2% and you can see that the density at this concentration is just barely above 1g/mL. (In case it throws you off too, scroll down to the bottom of the table where it explains that the different densities for pure water are due to the fact that the measurements were made at different temperatures.)
 
Thank you, I will be using 50 grams then. Thanks again.
 
51.654 g

Download CASC (concentration calculator) from my site - and try it (for free). Hydrochloric acid density table is built into the demo version. Start concentration calculator, select hydrochloric acid, enter volume, enter molar concentration, read mass. It can't be easier :smile:



CASC - concentration calculator
 
LeonhardEuler said:
but it is about 3.6/50=7.2% and you can see that the density at this concentration is just barely above 1g/mL

7.0587 %

1.0331 g/mL :smile:



CASC - concentration calculator
 

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