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NOTE: While osmoles are the number of particles in solution, we need a way to indicate the concentration of these solutes in solution USING OSMOLARITY (osmolality is rarely used). True or False?

User Bill
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Final answer:

The statement is true; osmolarity measures the concentration of solutes in solution in terms of osmoles per liter, considering the number of particles resulting from dissociation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement you have asked about, that osmolarity is used to indicate the concentration of solutes in solution, is true. Osmolarity is a measure of the number of osmoles of solute per liter of solution, making it a very important concept in chemistry and biology, especially in the study of bodily fluids. The term osmolarity refers to the concentration of a solution expressed in osmoles per liter (Osm/L), and it accounts for the number of particles into which a solute can dissociate in solution.

For instance, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociates into sodium and chloride ions, effectively doubling the number of particles in solution compared to what one might predict by considering only the number of moles of NaCl added. Thus, if you dissolve 1 mole of NaCl in 1 liter of water, which separates into sodium and chloride ions, you actually have a 2 osmolar solution. In contrast, glucose does not dissociate in solution, so a 1 molar glucose solution is also 1 osmolar. Understanding osmolarity is crucial in fields such as medicine and biology, where the delicate balance of solute concentrations can affect cellular function and health.

User Dobromir Kirov
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