Where Is the Mistake in This Stoichiometry Calculation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a stoichiometry calculation involving the neutralization of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Participants are analyzing a specific calculation to determine the molarity of the acid solution based on the volume and concentration of the base used in the reaction.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their calculation process, converting volumes to liters and calculating moles of H2C2O4 based on the stoichiometry of the reaction.
  • Another participant suggests that the first participant's error lies in their calculation rather than the concept, providing their own calculation that results in a molarity of 0.134 M.
  • A third participant questions the first participant's method, pointing out a discrepancy in the calculated moles of H2C2O4 and suggesting a need to verify the calculations.
  • A fourth participant presents an alternative method using unit analysis, arriving at a molarity of 0.133 M and explaining their approach to the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct molarity of the acid solution, with differing calculations resulting in values of 0.129 M, 0.134 M, and 0.133 M. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which calculation is correct.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific calculation steps and the interpretation of stoichiometric relationships, highlighting potential errors in the initial calculations without resolving them.

land_of_ice
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Question:

A 25 mL sample of H2C204 solution required 19.62 mL of 0.341 M NaOH for neutralization. Calculate the molarity of the acid?

The reaction was :
H2C204 + 2NaOH ---------------------> Na2C2O4 + 2H2O

Attempt:
[Which line has the mistake in it and what is it?]

converted 25mL to L
converted 19.62 to L
multiplied 0.01962 by 0.341 m/L of NaOH
and multiplying all of that by 1 mol of H2C204 / for every 2 moles of NaOH
multplied all of that by .025 L to get 0.00323 moles of the H2C204 , they said they wanted the molarity so molarity is moles/liter of solution, you get .00323/0.025L = .129 Molarity of H2C204
THE ANSWER CAME OUT WRONG?? WHAT the heck? Why? Which line has the mistake in it and what is it?

The answer is supposed to be 0.134 right?
 
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What I do is convert everything to moles (mmoles) in order to figure it out.

19.62 mL * 0.341 M NaOH = 6.69 mmoles OH-

To completely neutralize that, you need an equivalent in H+, so you need 6.69 mmoles H+. However, H2C2O4 produces 2 H+ per dissociation, so you would need half that amount, or 3.35 mmoles H2C2O4. Then divide by its volume.

3.35 mmoles H2C2O4 / 25 mL = 0.134 M H2C2O4 solutionI got 0.134 M. Are you saying you put that and got it wrong? Your answer says that you got 0.129 M. I think the error was in your calculation rather than concept.
 
land_of_ice said:
multplied all of that by .025 L to get 0.00323 moles of the H2C204

If I understand you correctly you have calculated number of moles of oxalic acid and multiplied it by volume to get number of moles of oxalic acid?

And then you divided it back by the same volume?

Strangely, numbers you have listed don't confirm your description. Check why you got 0.00323 and not 0.00334.

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A 25 mL sample of H2C204 solution required 19.62 mL of 0.341 M NaOH for neutralization. Calculate the molarity of the acid?

H2C204 + 2NaOH ---------------------> Na2C2O4 + 2H2O

easy way of doing stoich is with unit analysis, so in order to that we need everything in Liters and since I don't like dealing with mL/mmol that's just what I'm going to do
0.025 L H2C204
0.01962 L and 0.341 mol/L NaOH

we want to find the molarity of our acid so we want mol/L of H2C204

(0.01962 L/1) * (0.341 mol/1L) * (1 mol H2C2O4/2 mol NaOH) * (1/0.025L) = 0.133 mol/L

basically you found the mols of your given and multiplied that by your mol ratio (required on top, given on bottom) and then divide that by your volume of the substance you want to find in order to get mol/L

and they way I just showed you, you can do it in one step.
 

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