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ACTIVITY 1
Properties of Solutions in Water
INTRODUCTION
I. Aqueous Chemistry
B. Properties of water
Water is a polar molecule because of an unequal or uneven distribution of charges. It has a
slightly negative pole and a slightly positive pole. The polar nature of the water molecule is responsible
for its property of dissolving many materials. Most compounds that have polar molecules are soluble in
water. Most compounds that contain ionic bonds are also water soluble. Substances that dissolve in
water are described as hydrophilic (water loving). Non-polar molecules such as hydrocarbons and lipids
are usually insoluble in water. Substances that do not dissolve in water are described as hydrophobic
(water fearing).
Water is an essential component of the human body. It is essential in the processes of digestion,
circulation, excretion, and regulation of body temperature. Every activity of every cell of the human body
takes place in a water environment. The cytoplasm is the gelatinous material that fills the living cells and
is a mixture composed mainly of water. Substances are present as colloidal dispersions or as solutions.
C. Concentration of solutions
Solutions consists of a solute and a solvent.. Solutions are clear and homogenous, have a
variable composition, do not settle, maybe separated by physical means and pass through filter papers.
Solutions may be labelled as dilute or concentrated, as saturated or unsaturated, which are relative terms
and do not indicate any definite amount of solute and solvent. Definite concentrations of solutions can be
expressed as percent by weight, percent by volume, parts per million (ppm), molarity, molality or
normality. Most health professions use percent by weight or percent by volume while chemists use
molarity in expressing concentrations. Percent by weight is the grams of solute per 100 grams of solvent,
while percent by volume is the millilitre (mL) of solute per 100 mL of solvent. A molar solution contains 1
mole of solute per liter (L) of solution.
The electrolytes are divided into three groups: acids, bases and salts. Acids are compounds that
can release hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution. Such compounds usually contain hydrogen linked to
an element or group. Some common acids are hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid
(HNO3) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Bases also called alkalis release the hydroxide ion (OH-) in
aqueous solution. Some common bases are sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH),
calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). Salts are electrolytes that release ions
other than H+ or OH- in solution. Some common salts are sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium sulfate
(CaSO4) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl).
OBJECTIVES
1. To determine solubility of substances in water.
2. To classify electrolytes and non-electrolytes and their ability to conduct electric current.
MATERIALS
600 ml beaker (8), conductivity apparatus
REAGENTS
sodium chloride solution, potassium iodide solution, ethyl alcohol, chloroform, sucrose solution, dilute
hydrochloric acid, distilled water, tap water, wash bottle with distilled water
PROCEDURE
A. Fill in the table below. First, determine whether the compound contains ionic or covalent bonds.
If it contains covalent bonds, predict whether the molecule will be polar or nonpolar. Then predict
whether the compound will be soluble in water
B. Fill in the table below. For each compound, determine whether the molecule is soluble in water.
For those that are, determine whether they are electrolytes or non-electrolytes. Explain your
reasons for each answer.
C. Complete the table below. For each acid/base, fill in the number and kind of positive ions
released and the number and kind of negative ions released.
Acid Positive ion released Negative ion released
HCl
H2SO4
HNO3
H3PO4
Base
NaOH
KOH
Ca(OH)2
NH4OH
1. Place 200 ml of each of the following solutions in a 600 ml beaker: sodium chloride solution,
potassium iodide solution, ethyl alcohol, chloroform, sucrose solution, dilute hydrochloric acid,
distilled water, and tap water.
2. Using an electrical conductivity apparatus, determine which of the solutions conduct electricity and
which do not. Use the + symbols to signify conduction and – symbol for non-conduction. You may
indicate the degree of conduction by comparing the intensity of light using several + symbols.