Final answer:
To prepare an aqueous solution, one must accurately measure solute mass, dissolve in a solvent to a precise volume, and consider dilutions carefully. This process ensures proper reactant and product concentrations for scientific experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding how to prepare an aqueous solution is fundamental in chemistry. The process involves measuring the mass of solute using an analytical balance, adding it to a volumetric flask, and diluting it with a solvent, typically distilled water, to a known volume. Specifically, one must consider the initial concentration and volume of a stock solution when performing dilutions to ensure accurate preparation of solutions. For example, if you are diluting a 5 M solution and you increase the volume from 0.85 L to 1.80 L, the concentration of the diluted solution will be less than one-half of the initial concentration. This reflective approach is likened to the methodical process of chemists who, akin to perfection-seeking cooks, meticulously measure ingredients to achieve quantitative results in their experiments. Calculations may involve the use of an ICE table to track changes in the reactant and product concentrations during a reaction