The volume of sodium hydroxide solution used

Question

The volume of sodium hydroxide solution used was 760.0 ml, and the concentration was 0.300 m . calculate the moles of sulfuric acid that were neutralized (assuming that the reaction goes to completion).

Answer 1

You MUST write a balanced equation for this reaction:

2NaOH + H₂SO₄ ==> Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O

 

Next, calculate moles NaOH used:

0.760 L NaOH x 0.300 moles/L = 0.228 moles (assuming you meant 0.300 M and not 0.300 m.  See below)

 

Next, note the mole ratio in the balanced equation between NaOH and H₂SO₄. It is 2:1

Calculate moles H2SO4 present using this ratio:

0.228 moles NaOH x 1 mole H₂SO₄/2 moles NaOH = 0.114 moles H₂SO₄ neutralized.

 

NOTE: There is a significant difference between 0.3 m and 0.3 M.  The former means 0.3 moles/kg of solvent and the latter means 0.3 moles/L of solution.  Be careful which one you use.  If the problem REALLY said 0.3 m, you would have to know the density of the NaOH to solve the problem.