A common misconception related to analytical chemistry, which may be generalized as the failure to recognize and to account analytically for changes in substance density, is discussed. A cautionary example is made through the use of mass-based units of composition during volumetric dilution. The correct application of the volumetric dilution equation ci Vi = cf Vf is discussed. A quantitative description of the systematic error introduced by incorrect use of the volumetric dilution equation is also specified.
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Citation
Rodríguez-López, Margarita; Carrasquillo, Arnaldo, Jr. J. Chem. Educ.2005 82 1327.
Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Industrial Chemistry; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Nomenclature / Units / Symbols; Physical Chemistry; Quantitative Analysis; Solutions / Solvents
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