Textbook Question
An aqueous solution that contains 285 ppm of potassium nitrate (KNO3) is being used to feed plants in a garden. What volume of this solution is needed to prepare 2.0 L of a solution that is 75 ppm in KNO3?
Ch.9 Solutions
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Matter and Measurements27
- Ch.2 Atoms and the Periodic Table20
- Ch.3 Ionic Compounds8
- Ch.4 Molecular Compounds23
- Ch.5 Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions12
- Ch.6 Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships28
- Ch.7 Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rate and Equilibrium64
- Ch.8 Gases, Liquids and Solids24
- Ch.9 Solutions52
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases25
- Ch.11 Nuclear Chemistry22
- Ch.12 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes57
- Ch.13 Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds47
- Ch.14 Some Compounds with Oxygen, Sulfur, or a Halogen50
- Ch.15 Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch.16 Amines42
- Ch.17 Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives57
- Ch.18 Amino Acids and Proteins82
- Ch.19 Enzymes and Vitamins63
- Ch.20 Carbohydrates44
- Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy65
- Ch.22 Carbohydrate Metabolism45
- Ch.23 Lipids42
- Ch.24 Lipid Metabolism33
- Ch.25 Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism24
- Ch.26 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis45
Chapter 9, Problem 69
What does it mean when we say that the concentration of Ca2+ in blood is 3.0 mEq/L?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the term 'mEq/L': It stands for milliequivalents per liter, which is a unit used to express the concentration of ions in a solution. It accounts for both the amount of the ion (in moles) and its charge (valence).
Recognize the ion in question: Ca²⁺ is calcium ion, which has a charge of +2. This means each mole of calcium ions contributes 2 equivalents of charge.
Relate milliequivalents to equivalents: 1 milliequivalent (mEq) is equal to 1/1000 of an equivalent. Therefore, 3.0 mEq/L means 3.0 milliequivalents of Ca²⁺ are present in 1 liter of blood.
Determine the molar concentration: To convert from mEq/L to mol/L, divide the mEq/L value by the charge of the ion. For Ca²⁺, divide 3.0 mEq/L by 2 (since the charge is +2).
Interpret the result: The concentration in moles per liter (mol/L) represents the actual number of calcium ions in the blood, while the mEq/L value reflects the ionic charge contribution to the solution.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Concentration Units
Concentration is a measure of the amount of a substance in a given volume of solution. In this case, 'mEq/L' stands for milliequivalents per liter, which is a unit used to express the concentration of ions in a solution, taking into account the charge of the ions. This unit is particularly useful in biological and medical contexts, where ionic balance is crucial.
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Calcium Ions (Ca²⁺)
Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are positively charged ions that play vital roles in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation. The concentration of Ca²⁺ in blood is tightly regulated, as both low and high levels can lead to significant health issues. Understanding its concentration helps in assessing and managing conditions related to calcium metabolism.
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Electrolyte Balance
Electrolyte balance refers to the proper levels of ions in the body fluids, which are essential for maintaining homeostasis. Calcium is one of the key electrolytes, and its concentration affects many bodily functions. An imbalance can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats, or neurological issues, making it important to monitor and understand calcium levels in the blood.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
What is the concentration of a NaCl solution, in (m/v)%, prepared by diluting 65 mL of a saturated solution, which has a concentration of 37 (m/v)%, to 480 mL?
Textbook Question
What is an electrolyte?
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Textbook Question
Calculate the mass needed for each of the following ion equivalents:
a. 0.25 Eq Ca2+
Textbook Question
The concentration of Cl- ion in blood is approximately 100 mEq/L. How many milliliters of blood would be needed to obtain 1.0 g of Cl- ions?
Textbook Question
What does it mean when we say that a 0.15 M NaCl solution is isotonic with blood, whereas distilled water is hypotonic?