Ocean water is found to contain 7.2 g of NaCl, what is the molarity ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the molarity of a solution containing 7.2 g of NaCl in a 205 mL sample of ocean water. Participants explore the definitions and calculations involved in determining molarity, particularly in the context of solutions with multiple solutes.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the meaning of "with respect to NaCl" and seeks clarification on what is typically meant in such contexts.
  • Another participant asserts that molarity is calculated as moles of solute divided by liters of solution, suggesting that converting NaCl to mL is unnecessary.
  • A different participant emphasizes the need to convert 7.2 g of NaCl to moles and divide by the total volume in liters to find molarity.
  • There is a correction regarding the interpretation of the molar mass and the calculation approach, with one participant clarifying their earlier statement about moles of NaCl.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculation process and the interpretation of the problem, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach to determine the molarity.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the presence of other salts in ocean water, which may affect the interpretation of the molarity calculation specifically for NaCl.

land_of_ice
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A 205 mL sample of ocean water is found to contain 7.2 g of NaCl, what is the molarity of the solution?
(The problem also says, with respect to NaCl?)
Ok, now, what do they mean with respect to NaCl?

What is it usually in respect to?

Anyways is this the correct way to do this?

Recognize that NaCl is the solute, and the ocean water is the solution, then, you convert the 205 mL of ocean water to Liters and also you have to convert the 7.2 g of NaCl to mL, then L to add it with the ocean water because molarity is moles of solute divided by Liters of total solution isn't it? And then you just divide the solute converted into moles into that to determine the molarity?
 
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Please disclose the purpose of your inquiry...is this homework or a personal endeavor?
 
In regards to your second paragraph, yes.

Molar Mass of 7.2 g NaCl / Volume of water in litres. No need to convert NaCl to ml, as molarity is the moles of solute [any solute] within a given volume [usually 1 litre].
 
Lazy said:
Molar Mass of 7.2 g NaCl.

Huh? I guess you meant something else.

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methods
 
land_of_ice said:
(The problem also says, with respect to NaCl?)
Ok, now, what do they mean with respect to NaCl?

What is it usually in respect to?

There can be (and in sea water are) other salts dissolved, you are asked to calculate only molarity of the NaCl.

you have to convert the 7.2 g of NaCl to mL, then L to add it with the ocean water because molarity is moles of solute divided by Liters of total solution isn't it? And then you just divide the solute converted into moles into that to determine the molarity?

205 mL is a total volume, you don't need any tricks to calculate it. Just convert 7.2g to moles of NaCl and divide as you wanted to.

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