why can I not use the formula m1v1=m2v2 for the following question: What volume of 1.20 M NaOH will be needed to neutralize 225 mL of 3.0 M sulfuric acid?
I get 0.56 L but the answer should be 1.1 L. When am I able to use that formula and when can I not?
4 answers
It is not one to one. That is why you can not use the M1v1=M2v2 equation. The moles have to be 1 mole to 1 mole. Instead use the Molarity and volume to find moles of one thing (make sure the volume in litters) then do some math and multiply the mole ratio then get you volume from the mole and molarity and that's your answer. :)
you can use it. just remember that the moles of the acid is equal to the moles of the base. so because you have 2 hydrogens in h2so4 (aka 2 proton donors) ur gonna put a 2 in front of M1V1. and because u only have 1 hydroxide group in NaOH (aka 1 hydroxide donor), u dont have to multiply M2V2 by anything. so it'll just be 2(3.0) (0.225) = (1.20)V. the coefficients dont matter here, just make sure u know how many proton and hydroxide donors u have. like if u had Ba(OH)2, then u would put a 2 in front of M2V2.
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1 answer