IB CHEMISTRY

1.4.5

Molar Concentration

Concentration (\(c\)) connects the world of liquids (volume) to the world of moles.

\( n \)
\( c \)\( \times \)\( V \)

n = moles (mol)

c = conc (\( \text{mol dm}^{-3} \))

V = Volume (\( \text{dm}^{3} \))

⚠️ The Unit Trap

Lab apparatus (beakers, pipettes) measure in cm³ (mL).
The formula requires dm³ (Liters).

Divide cm³ by 1000 → dm³

Standard Solutions

A solution of precisely known concentration. Prepared using a volumetric flask.

  • Weigh pure solid.
  • Dissolve in distilled water.
  • Transfer to flask and top up to the mark.

Dilutions

Adding water changes volume (V) and concentration (c), but moles (n) stay constant.

\( c_1 V_1 = c_2 V_2 \)

Titration Calculation

Paper 2 Style
25.0 cm³ of 0.100 mol dm⁻³ HCl reacts exactly with 20.0 cm³ of NaOH. Calculate the concentration of the NaOH. (\(HCl + NaOH \to NaCl + H_2O\))

Student Practice Set

1.
What is the concentration if 0.5 mol is dissolved in 250 cm³?