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Solution Composition and Properties
There are several ways in chemistry to describe the composition of a solution. One way is through a solution’s mass percent. Another, similar way, is to describe a solution’s concentration – often expressed as molarity (M). There are some important conventions chemistry students should become familiar with – such as: solute concentration is always written in terms of the form of the solute before it dissolves. Because math becomes crucial in chemical formulation, conventions like this one become increasingly important as the need for precision increases. A few new terms such as “standard solution” and “dilution” have specific meaning in chemistry. Additionally, some of the new expressions also convey new concepts – such as “colligative property” (a solution property that depends on the number of solute particles present). This topic may initially seem overly concerned with precise meaning and exactness of measurement. And … it is. Especially for students with an eye toward college-level chemistry, this topic introduces ideas that set them up for future success in upper-level chemistry pursuits.
Lesson 1 (or “Day 1”) Material
Lesson 2 (or “Day 2”) Material
- Day 2 Instructor Presentation
- Day 2 Student Handout
- Day 2 Rubric
- Read Chem 43 – Overview
- Read Chem 43 – Properties of Solutions
- Read Chem 43 – Unusual Properties of Water
Lesson 3 (or “Day 3”) Material
Lesson 4 (or “Day 4”) Material
10:14 Mass Percent and Volume Percent
8:20 Solutions: Crash Course Chemistry #27
10:14 Mass Percent & Volume Percent – Solution Composition Chemistry Practice Problems
Compare Contrast and Debate
Kickoff Debate Background: The student guide associated with this topic discusses mass percent and volume of a solution. The first two text paragraphs describe these similar – but different concepts.
- Position A: If having to choose one way and only one way to communicate solution composition – use mass percent.
- Position B: If having to choose one way and only one way to communicate solution composition – use volume of a solution.
Resources Documents and Links
Notes and Notices
Instructor Emphasis:
- Science & Engineering Practice: Analyze and interpret data.
- Cross-Cutting Concept: Structure and Function.