Assuming the density of a 5% (by mass) acetic acid solution is 1.01 g/cm^3, what is the mass of acetic acid present in 250 mL of this solution?

• A. 5.05 g
• B. 25.3 g
• C. 12.6 g
• D. 50.5 g

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given data: the solution is 5% acetic acid by mass, the density of the solution is 1.01 g/cm\^3, and the volume of the solution is 250 mL.
2. Convert the volume of the solution to mass using the density formula: \(\text{mass of solution} = \text{density} \times \text{volume}\). Remember to keep units consistent (1 mL = 1 cm\^3).
3. Calculate the mass of the solution by multiplying the density (1.01 g/cm\^3) by the volume (250 cm\^3).
4. Use the percentage by mass to find the mass of acetic acid: \(\text{mass of acetic acid} = \left( \frac{5}{100} \right) \times \text{mass of solution}\).
5. Multiply the mass of the solution by 0.05 (5%) to get the mass of acetic acid present in the 250 mL solution.