Answer:
The student's reasoning is incorrect. The molarity of a solution is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution, not the total volume of the solution. Therefore, it is possible for a solution with a lower molarity to have a larger volume than a solution with a higher molarity, if the amount of solute is the same. In this case, the two solutions have the same number of moles of solute, so their volumes cannot be determined solely based on their molarities. Additional information, such as the masses of the solute or solvent, would be needed to determine the volumes of the two solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's reasoning is based on a misunderstanding of the definition of molarity. Molarity is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. It is not defined in terms of the total volume of the solution. Therefore, it is possible for a solution with a lower molarity to have a larger volume than a solution with a higher molarity, if the amount of solute is the same.
In this case, the student states that both solutions contain the same number of moles of solute. However, the student incorrectly assumes that the larger molarity solution has a larger volume of solvent. This assumption is incorrect because the molarity does not determine the volume of the solvent, but rather the concentration of the solute in the solution.
To determine the volumes of the two solutions, additional information would be needed, such as the masses of the solute or solvent. Without this information, it is not possible to determine which solution has a larger volume.