3.7 - Concentration of Solutions
Concentration and the g/dm3 formula
- A solution forms when a substance dissolves in a liquid:
- Solute - The substance that dissolves
- Solvent - The liquid it dissolves in
- Solution - The mixture of solute and solvent
- Concentration is a measure of how much solute is dissolved in a given volume of solution.
- More solute in the same volume makes a solution more concentrated; more solvent for the same solute makes it more dilute.
Measuring volume in dm3
- 1 dm3 = 1,000 cm3 = 1 litre
- To convert cm3 to dm3, divide by 1,000.
Formula for concentration in g/dm3
Where:
- Concentration is in grams per cubic decimetre (g/dm3)
- Mass of solute is in grams (g)
- Volume of solution is in cubic decimetres (dm3)
TermDefinition
SolutionThe mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent.
SoluteThe substance that dissolves in a liquid to form a solution.
SolventThe liquid in which a solute dissolves to form a solution.
ConcentrationA measure of how much of a substance is present in a given volume, usually how much solute is dissolved in a given volume of solution.