Question

The label "concentrated \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) " on a bottle means that there is a relatively amount of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) present in the solution.

Short answer

The label "concentrated \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\)" on a bottle means that the solution contains a relatively high amount of sulfuric acid compared to the solvent. In this context, "concentrated" indicates that there is a substantial amount of \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) present in the solution, making it potentially more hazardous than its diluted counterparts.

Step-by-step solution

Define Concentration

Concentration, in the context of chemistry, refers to the measure of the amount of a substance (solute) present in a given amount of another substance (solvent). In this case, we are dealing with a solution of sulfuric acid (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\)) in water or another solvent. Concentration can be expressed in various ways, such as molarity, molality, or percentage by mass or volume.

Explain the term 'Concentrated'

In a general context, the term 'concentrated' is used when describing a solution that has a relatively high amount of solute (in this case, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\)) present in the solvent compared to other solutions of the same substance. In other words, it means that there is a substantial amount of sulfuric acid present in the solution compared to the solvent.

Connection to \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\)

Now that we know what concentration means and how the term 'concentrated' is used with respect to solutions, we can understand the meaning of the label "concentrated \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\)" on a bottle. This label implies that the solution within the bottle contains a relatively high amount of sulfuric acid as compared to the solvent. We should be cautious when handling concentrated solutions, as they tend to be more hazardous than their diluted counterparts.

Key concepts

Understanding Molarity

In chemistry, molarity is a fundamental concept used to express the concentration of a solution. Molarity is denoted by the symbol \( M \) and is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.
To calculate molarity, you use the formula:

• \( M = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}} \)

This concentration measure helps chemists understand how much of a substance is present in a given volume of solution.
Molarity is particularly useful when dealing with reactions that depend on the amount of reactants in solution. It provides an easy way to quantify and balance chemical equations.
For instance, if you dissolve 1 mole of sulfuric acid (\( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \)) in 1 liter of water, the molarity of the solution is 1 mol/L. This concentration might be noted as a 1M solution of \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \).
Understanding molarity is crucial for tasks that require precise chemical reactions and concentrations.

Exploring Molality

Molality is another important way to express concentration in chemistry. Unlike molarity, molality does not depend on the volume of the solution but rather on the mass of the solvent.
The symbol for molality is \( m \), and it is calculated using the formula:

• \( m = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{kilograms of solvent}} \)

This method is beneficial in situations where temperature changes affect the volume of the solution since the mass of the solvent remains constant.
Molality is often used in calculations involving colligative properties, such as boiling point elevation and freezing point depression, which are affected by the number of particles in a solution, not their volume.
For example, if you dissolve 1 mole of \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \) in 1 kilogram of water, the molality of the solution is 1 mol/kg. Understanding the distinction between molarity and molality is essential when studying solutions and their behaviors under different conditions.

Examining Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

Sulfuric acid, known chemically as \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \), is a highly reactive and important industrial chemical. It appears as a colorless, oily liquid and is soluble in water with the release of heat.
Sulfuric acid is well-known for its strong acidic properties and high corrosive potential.
Its concentrated form is used widely in manufacturing processes, including fertilizers, dyes, explosives, and detergents.
When dealing with this chemical, understanding terms like concentrated \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \) becomes especially significant.
These solutions contain a high proportion of \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \) compared to water, making them hazardous to handle.
Always ensure proper safety measures, such as wearing gloves and goggles, when working with concentrated \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \).
The strong nature of this acid makes it a valuable resource in many laboratory and industrial settings, but it demands respect and caution due to its powerful corrosive and dehydrating characteristics.