Question

If it takes 50 mL of 0.5M NaOH to neutralize 125 mL of sulfuric acid:

a) The molarity of sulfuric acid is 0.2M.
b) The molarity of sulfuric acid is 0.5M.
c) The molarity of sulfuric acid is 1.0M.
d) The molarity of sulfuric acid cannot be determined.

Answer 1

The molarity of sulfuric acid is 0.2M.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the given information, the molarity of sulfuric acid can be calculated using the equation:

H₂SO₄ (aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Na₂SO₄ (aq) + 2H₂O (l)

From the balanced equation, 1 mole of sulfuric acid reacts with 2 moles of sodium hydroxide. Therefore, the number of moles of sulfuric acid can be calculated using the following equation:

mol H₂SO₄ = Molarity of NaOH x Volume of NaOH x Stoichiometric coefficient of H₂SO₄

mol H₂SO₄ = 0.5 M x 0.05 L x 1

mol H₂SO₄ = 0.025 moles

To find the molarity of sulfuric acid, divide the number of moles of sulfuric acid by the volume of sulfuric acid in liters:

Molarity of H₂SO₄ = moles of H₂SO₄ / Volume of H₂SO₄ in liters

Molarity of H₂SO₄ = 0.025 moles / 0.125 L

Molarity of H₂SO₄ = 0.2 M

Therefore, the molarity of sulfuric acid is 0.2M.