Preparation of 0.1 N NaOH Solution: A Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
Introduction
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and water treatment. In laboratory settings, NaOH solutions are commonly used as a titrant, pH adjuster, or reactant. In this article, we will discuss the preparation of a 0.1 N NaOH solution, including the calculation and procedure.
What is a Normal Solution (N)?
A normal solution (N) is a solution that contains one gram equivalent of solute per liter of solution. The gram equivalent of NaOH is 40 g, which means that a 1 N NaOH solution contains 40 g of NaOH per liter of solution.
Calculation of 0.1 N NaOH Solution
To prepare a 0.1 N NaOH solution, we need to calculate the amount of NaOH required. Since 1 N NaOH solution contains 40 g of NaOH per liter, a 0.1 N NaOH solution will contain:
0.1 N x 40 g/L = 4 g/L
Therefore, we need 4 g of NaOH per liter of solution.
Preparation Procedure
Materials
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pellets
- Distilled water
- Measuring cylinder
- Balance or weighing scale
Procedure
- Weigh the NaOH: Weigh 4 g of NaOH pellets using a balance or weighing scale.
- Add distilled water: Add approximately 900 mL of distilled water to a beaker.
- Dissolve the NaOH: Slowly add the weighed NaOH pellets to the distilled water while stirring. Ensure that the pellets are fully dissolved.
- Dilute to volume: Add more distilled water to the beaker to bring the total volume to 1000 mL (1 L).
- Mix well: Stir the solution well to ensure that the NaOH is fully dissolved and the solution is homogeneous.
Tips and Precautions
- Always wear protective gloves, goggles, and a lab coat when handling NaOH, as it can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Use a fume hood or ventilation system to avoid inhaling NaOH dust or vapors.
- Ensure that the weighing scale or balance is accurate to obtain the correct amount of NaOH.
- Use distilled water to prepare the solution to avoid contamination and ensure accurate results.
By following this calculation and procedure, you can accurately prepare a 0.1 N NaOH solution for your laboratory needs. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and precautions when working with NaOH and other chemicals.
