A solution is a homogenous mixture composed of a solute and a solvent in a single phase. The solute is the material dissolved; the solvent, the material in which it is dissolved. Many of the chemical reactions that take place in the environment and in the human body are reactions taking place in solution, and more specifically, in water. Making solutions of accurate concentration is an important skill for all practicing chemists.
This module is a utility for making aqueous solutions. By entering the formula, concentration, and volume for the solution, the program calculates the mass in grams of solute that are needed. The solution would then be prepared by adding that mass of solute to the flask and subsequently filling the flask with water to the appropriate volume mark.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Enter the formula of the solution in the text box at the top of the screen.
- Enter the formula making sure to use correct capitalization.
Subscripts are not supported.
- The program collects like elements from different parts of the
formula, thus C2H6O and CH3CH2OH will give the same results.
- Chemical groups that are normally written in parentheses
should be typed in with parentheses. Brackets are not required for
multiple sets of parentheses. The calculations will handle two
levels of parentheses: for example, the molecular weight of
Ni(N(CH3)3)4Cl2 will be calculated properly.
- Waters of hydration or solvents of solvation should be written
in parenthetical notation. For example, CuSO4 *5H2O should
be entered as CuSO4(H20)5.
2. Enter the concentration of the solution in the second text box on the screen.
The unit of concentration is Molarity, or moles per liter.
3. Select the size of a standard volumetric flask in which the solution would
be prepared. Do this by clicking on one of the six flask size option buttons.
4. To calculate the amount of solute needed, click on the calculate button.
