Volume Percentage (V/V)
Volume percentage (V/V) is a crucial concept in understanding the concentration of solutions, particularly in liquid-liquid mixtures. It defines the ratio of the volume of solute to the total volume of the solution, expressed as a percentage. The formula for volume percentage is given as:
$$\text{Volume \%} = \frac{\text{Volume of solute}}{\text{Total volume of solution}} \times 100$$
This method of expressing concentration is commonly used in various industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where knowing the precise concentration of a compound in a solution can be pivotal for safety and effectiveness. As demonstrated with examples, such as a 10% (V/V) ethanol solution, where 10 mL of ethanol is dissolved to make a total volume of 100 mL of solution, this allows for easy calculations and adjustments in formulations. Furthermore, the section emphasizes that while V/V is particularly useful for liquid solutions, it also provides critical insights into other metrics of concentration, thereby serving as a foundational concept in the study of chemistry.