What is the concentration of a 1:2 dilution of a 0.6 M NaHCO3 solution?
It depends upon what 1:2 means. There is confusion among even experienced on this. If 1:2 means 1 part NaHCO3 + 2 parts water, then the concn is
0.6M x (1/3) = ?
If you mean 1 part NaHCO3 + 1 part (to make 2), then the concn is
0.6M x (1/2) = ?
The following is a good web site to read, especially the last part of the post in which the difference between "factor" and "ratio" discussed.
http://www.protocol-online.org/biology-forums/posts/31255.html
To find the concentration of a dilution, you need to know the initial concentration of the solution and the dilution factor.
The dilution factor is defined as the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume. In this case, the dilution factor is 1:2, which means that the final volume is twice the initial volume.
Here's how you can calculate the concentration of the diluted solution:
1. Determine the dilution factor: In a 1:2 dilution, the final volume is twice the initial volume, so the dilution factor is 1:2.
2. Calculate the final volume: Since the dilution factor is 1:2, the final volume would be 2 times the initial volume.
3. Calculate the concentration of the diluted solution: Multiply the initial concentration by the reciprocal of the dilution factor. In this case, multiply the initial concentration (0.6 M) by the reciprocal of the dilution factor (2/1).
Using these steps:
Initial concentration = 0.6 M
Dilution factor = 1:2 (final volume = 2 × initial volume)
Final volume = 2 × initial volume
= 2 × 1 (assuming initial volume is 1, as this is not specified in the question)
= 2
Concentration of the diluted solution = Initial concentration × (1 / dilution factor)
= 0.6 M × (1 / 2/1)
= 0.6 M × (1/2)
= 0.6 M × 0.5
= 0.3 M
So, the concentration of a 1:2 dilution of a 0.6 M NaHCO3 solution is 0.3 M.