Concentration of Solutions

• What is the definition of concentration in a solution?

  It is the mass of a solute in a given volume of solution.
• What is a solute?

  A solute is a chemical that is dissolved in a solvent.
• What is the common solvent used in chemistry?

  Water is often used as a solvent.
• What is the unit of concentration for the given definition?

  Grams per decimeter cubed (g/dm³).
• Why do scientists prefer to use the term decimeter cubed instead of liter?

  Scientists no longer use the term liter; they use decimeter cubed instead.
• How is concentration calculated?

  • Concentration (g/dm³) = Mass (g) / Volume (dm³)
• If 200 g of a chemical is dissolved in water to a final volume of 1 dm³, what is the concentration?


  200 g/dm³.
• How do you calculate the concentration if 150 g of a chemical is dissolved in 0.5 dm³ of water?

  300 g/dm³.
• How do you find the mass of a solute needed for a concentration of 600 g/dm³ in 0.4 dm³ of solution?

  240 g.
• What is the final volume of a solution containing 200 g of a chemical with a concentration of 800 g/dm³?

  0.25 dm³.
• How does increasing the mass of solute affect concentration if the volume remains constant?

  • Increases the concentration.
• What happens to concentration if the volume of the solution is increased while keeping the mass of solute constant?

  • Decreases the concentration.