Solution stoichiometry focuses on calculations involving the concentration and volume of solutions, integrating these concepts into traditional stoichiometric methods. In this context, a stoichiometric chart is adapted to accommodate scenarios where volume and molarity are provided. This chart allows for the determination of an unknown quantity of a compound based on a known quantity of another.
For instance, consider a balanced chemical equation where 2 moles of sodium (Na) react with 2 moles of water (H2O) to produce 1 mole of hydrogen gas (H2) and 2 moles of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). If we are given 38.74 milliliters of a 0.275 M solution of water, we can calculate the grams of hydrogen gas produced.
To begin, it is essential to convert the volume of water from milliliters to liters, as the relationship between moles, volume, and molarity is defined by the equation:
moles = liters × molarity
By converting 38.74 mL to liters (0.03874 L) and multiplying by the molarity (0.275 M), we can find the moles of water:
moles of H2O = 0.03874 L × 0.275 mol/L = 0.01065 mol
Next, using the stoichiometric coefficients from the balanced equation, we perform a mole-to-mole conversion to find the moles of hydrogen gas produced. The balanced equation indicates that 2 moles of water yield 1 mole of hydrogen gas, leading to the following calculation:
moles of H2 = 0.01065 mol H2O × (1 mol H2 / 2 mol H2O) = 0.005325 mol H2
Finally, to convert moles of hydrogen gas to grams, we use the molar mass of hydrogen (approximately 2.02 g/mol):
grams of H2 = 0.005325 mol × 2.02 g/mol = 0.01076 g
This example illustrates how solution stoichiometry builds upon traditional stoichiometric principles by incorporating volume and molarity into calculations. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving various chemical problems, particularly in laboratory settings where solutions are frequently used.