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VirginiaChemistry

Solutions, Acids and Bases

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What makes a substance an acid or a base, and what does the pH scale measure?

Acids, bases and the pH scale: describe the properties and definitions of acids and bases, the pH scale, and the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration.
A focused Virginia SOL Chemistry answer on acids and bases under CH.5: the Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry definitions, the properties of acids and bases, the pH scale from 0 to 14, and how pH relates to hydrogen ion concentration and strength.
9 min answer →

How is the concentration of a solution measured and used in calculations?

Molarity and solution stoichiometry: calculate molarity, prepare and dilute solutions, and use molarity in solution stoichiometry.
A focused Virginia SOL Chemistry answer on concentration under CH.5: molarity as moles per liter, calculating molarity, the dilution equation M1V1 = M2V2, and using molarity to find moles in solution stoichiometry.
9 min answer →

What happens when an acid meets a base, and how does titration find an unknown concentration?

Neutralization and titration: write neutralization reactions that form a salt and water, and use titration data to find an unknown concentration.
A focused Virginia SOL Chemistry answer on neutralization under CH.5: the acid plus base gives salt plus water reaction, the role of indicators and the equivalence point, and using titration data with M1V1 = M2V2 to find an unknown concentration.
9 min answer →

What is a solution, and what controls how much solute dissolves?

Solutions, solubility and concentration: describe solutes, solvents and the dissolving process, the factors that affect rate of dissolving and solubility, and how to read a solubility curve.
A focused Virginia SOL Chemistry answer on solutions under CH.5: solute and solvent, the dissolving process and like dissolves like, the factors that change the rate of dissolving and solubility, saturated and unsaturated solutions, and reading a solubility curve.
9 min answer →