Question

A student is instructed to make 1 L of a 2.0 M solution of CaCl2 using dry salt. How should he do this?

Answer 1

The student should follow following steps to make 1 L of 2.0 M CaCl₂.

1. First he should calculate the number of moles of 2.0 M CaCl₂ in 1 L solution.

Molarity of the solution = 2.0 M
Volume of solution which should be prepared = 1 L

Molarity = number of moles / volume of the solution

Hence, number of moles in 1 L = 2 mol

2. Find out the mass of dry CaCl₂ in 2 moles.

moles = mass / molar mass

Moles of CaCl₂ = 2 mol
Molar mass of CaCl₂ = 110.98 g/mol

Hence, mass of CaCl₂ = 2 mol x 110.98 g/mol
                                     = 221.96 g

3. Weigh the mass accurately 

4. Then take a cleaned and dry1 L volumetric flask and place a funnel top of it. Then carefully add the salt into the volumetric flask and finally wash the funnel and watch glass with de-ionized water. That water also should be added into the volumetric flask.

5. Then add some de-ionized water into the volumetric flask and swirl well until all salt are dissolved.

6. Then top up to mark of the volumetric flask carefully. 

7. As the final step prepared solution should be labelled.