Problem 103 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

You have a 23-\(\mathrm{g}\) sample of ethanol with a density of 0.7893 \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL} .\) What volume of ethanol do you have?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The volume of ethanol is approximately 29.14 mL.

Step 1: Identify Given Values

First, let's identify the known values in the problem. We are given the mass of the ethanol sample as 23 grams and the density as 0.7893 grams per milliliter.

Step 2: Understand the Formula

To find the volume of a substance when you know the mass and the density, you use the formula: \( \text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Density}} \). Here, we want to calculate the volume of the ethanol.

Step 3: Substitute Values

Now substitute the given values into the formula: \( \text{Volume} = \frac{23 \text{ g}}{0.7893 \text{ g/mL}} \).

Step 4: Calculate the Volume

Perform the division from the previous step to find the volume: \( 23 \div 0.7893 \approx 29.14 \text{ mL} \). Thus, the volume of ethanol is approximately 29.14 milliliters.

Key Concepts

Understanding Mass

Mass is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry, representing the amount of matter in an object. It is usually measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg), helping us understand how much "stuff" makes up an object or substance.
Mass is not the same as weight. Weight depends on the gravitational pull, whereas mass stays constant regardless of location.
When dealing with problems in chemistry, like calculating the volume of ethanol, knowing the mass of your substance is crucial. It allows you to apply formulas that require this value to find other properties, like volume, given the density.

Exploring Volume

Volume refers to the amount of space that a substance or object occupies. It is often measured in liters (L) or milliliters (mL) for liquids, and cubic centimeters (cm³) for solids.
In the context of liquids, like ethanol, volume can tell us how much of the liquid we have. Knowing the volume is especially useful in experiments and everyday applications where precise measurements are necessary.

• Volume is crucial when converting between mass and density.
• To find volume when mass and density are known, you can use the formula: \[ \text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Density}} \]

Calculating volume helps us understand and predict how a substance will interact with its environment, like how much space it will fill.

Properties of Ethanol

Ethanol is a common chemical in chemistry with diverse applications, from scientific experiments to beverages.
It's a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet scent and is often used as a solvent or fuel, in addition to its presence in alcoholic beverages.
Ethanol's density plays a vital role in calculating its volume. Knowing that its density is 0.7893 g/mL allows us to determine how much ethanol takes up a certain space when we know the mass.

• Ethanol has a relatively low density compared to water, meaning it is less packed with particles.
• This property affects how we store and handle ethanol in various industries and experiments.

Understanding ethanol's properties aids in safely and effectively using it in different fields.