A 50% NaCl solution refers to a weight/volume (w/v) percentage, meaning it contains 50 grams of NaCl dissolved in 100 mL of water. Conversely, a 35% ethylene glycol solution indicates 35 mL of ethylene glycol mixed with 65 mL of water, totaling 100 mL of solution. It is important to note that while volumes do not add perfectly, for laboratory purposes, minor discrepancies are generally acceptable. The distinction between weight/volume (w/v) and volume/volume (v/v) percentages is crucial for accurate solution preparation.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, laboratory technicians, and professionals involved in solution preparation and analysis will benefit from this discussion.
mikepl1 said:when someone talks about a 50% NaCl solution or a 35% ethylene glycol solution, what does this really mean? Is this the percentage of the solute in the solution by mass, moles, or what?
Thanks.
I always interpreted that to be 50 grams of NaCl in 100 mL of solution (solution = water + salt).gravenewworld said:Depends if you see v/v (volume/volume) or w/v (weight/volume) %. 50% (w/v) NaCl would be 50 grams in 100 mL of water.