Molarity
Molarity (
M) is defined as the number of moles of solute dissolved in one liter (or one cubic decimeter) of solution. The mathematical representation is:
$$M = \frac{\text{Moles of solute}}{\text{Volume of solution in liters}}$$
For example, a 0.25 M NaOH solution contains 0.25 moles of NaOH in one liter of solution. Understanding molarity is essential in fields such as chemistry and medicine as it helps in formulating correct dosages and understanding solution behaviors.
Calculation Example
To calculate molarity, we can use the relationship:
1. Moles of solute can be determined from mass using the formula:
$$\text{Moles} = \frac{\text{mass in grams}}{\text{molar mass in g/mol}}$$
2. Then, substituting the values into the molarity formula.
This section covers important aspects of molarity, including how it differs from related measures like molality and how concentration can impact physiology, such as the effects of ionic concentrations in intravenous solutions.