Representations of Solutions
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AP Chemistry › Representations of Solutions
A student adds a few drops of ethanol, C$_2$H$_5$OH(l), to water and mixes thoroughly. Which particulate-level description best represents the dominant intermolecular interaction between ethanol and water molecules in the mixture?
Hydrogen bonding between the O–H group of ethanol and water molecules, with ethanol molecules remaining intact.
Electrostatic attraction between C$_2$H$_5^+$ and OH$^-$ produced by complete dissociation of ethanol in water.
Only London dispersion forces between ethanol and water because both molecules are nonpolar overall.
Covalent bond formation between ethanol and water to produce hydrates that are new compounds in solution.
Ion–dipole attractions between C$_2$H$_5$OH$^+$ ions and water because ethanol ionizes in water.
Explanation
This question tests the identification of dominant intermolecular forces in solutions of polar molecular solutes. Ethanol, C₂H₅OH, is a polar molecule that forms hydrogen bonds with water through its O-H group, where the hydrogen of ethanol can bond with oxygen in water and vice versa, while the molecules remain intact without dissociation. This interaction allows ethanol to mix thoroughly with water, as both can participate in hydrogen bonding networks. No ionization occurs because ethanol is not an acid or base in this context. A tempting distractor is choice A, which posits ionization into C₂H₅OH⁺, stemming from the misconception that all solutes with OH groups ionize like acids. To analyze solute-solvent interactions, classify the solute as molecular and identify the strongest possible intermolecular force with the solvent, such as hydrogen bonding for molecules with O-H groups.
A student dissolves aluminum nitrate, Al(NO$_3$)$_3$(s), in water to make a dilute solution. Which set of particles and relative counts best represents what is produced per formula unit dissolved (ignoring any subsequent acid–base reactions with water)?
1 Al(NO$_3$)$_3$(aq) unit dispersed in water, with water molecules randomly oriented around it.
1 Al$^{3+}$ and 1 NO$_3^-$ ion dispersed in water because the formula reduces to AlNO$_3$ in solution.
3 Al$^+$ and 1 NO$_3^{3-}$ ion dispersed in water, each surrounded by oriented water molecules.
1 Al$^{3+}$ and 3 NO$_3^-$ ions dispersed in water, each surrounded by oriented water molecules.
1 Al$^{3-}$ and 3 NO$_3^+$ ions dispersed in water, each surrounded by oriented water molecules.
Explanation
This question tests the ability to determine ion counts and representations from the formula of a complex ionic compound. Aluminum nitrate, Al(NO₃)₃, dissociates completely in water into one Al³⁺ ion and three NO₃⁻ ions per formula unit, as nitrate is a polyatomic ion that remains intact. Each ion is surrounded by water molecules oriented according to charge: oxygen toward Al³⁺ and hydrogen toward NO₃⁻, due to ion-dipole attractions. This assumes no further reactions like hydrolysis, as specified. A tempting distractor is choice B, which shows intact units, based on the misconception that polyatomic ions prevent full dissociation. When representing ionic solutions, dissociate the compound into its ions based on the formula coefficients, and include solvent orientation for a complete particulate view.
A student prepares an aqueous solution of sucrose, C${12}$H${22}$O$_{11}$(s), by stirring it into water until it dissolves. Which particulate-level representation is most accurate for the dissolved solute?
Sucrose dissociates completely into C$^{+}$, H$^{+}$, and O$^{2-}$ ions that are hydrated by water.
Sucrose reacts with water to produce H$_3$O$^+$ and OH$^-$ ions in equal amounts, while the remaining solute stays as a solid.
Sucrose molecules remain intact and become uniformly dispersed as separate neutral molecules among water molecules.
Sucrose forms an ionic lattice in water, and water molecules are excluded from the region near the solute particles.
Sucrose forms C${12}$H${22}$O${11}^{+}$ and C${12}$H${22}$O${11}^{-}$ ions that are hydrated by water.
Explanation
This question tests the ability to represent particulate-level structures of molecular solutions, distinguishing between ionic and covalent solutes. Sucrose, C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁, is a molecular compound that does not dissociate into ions in water but remains as intact neutral molecules due to its covalent bonding and lack of ionization. The dissolution occurs through hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups of sucrose and water molecules, allowing the sucrose to disperse uniformly without breaking into charged particles. This is why sucrose solutions are non-electrolytes and do not conduct electricity. A tempting distractor is choice B, which suggests dissociation into elemental ions, arising from the misconception that all solutes ionize like ionic compounds. When evaluating solution representations, identify if the solute is molecular or ionic, remembering that molecular solutes typically remain intact unless they are acids or bases that react with water.
A student dissolves potassium sulfate, K$_2$SO$_4$(s), in water. Which particulate-level description best represents the resulting solution?
K$_2$SO$_4$ dissociates into 2 K$^-$ and 1 SO$_4^{2+}$, and water orients H toward the cations and O toward the anions.
K$_2$SO$_4$ remains as intact neutral formula units dispersed in water, with no ion–dipole interactions.
K$_2$SO$_4$ dissociates into 1 K$^{2+}$ and 1 SO$_4^{2-}$, and water molecules surround both ions with random orientation.
K$_2$SO$_4$ reacts with water to form KOH(aq) and H$_2$SO$_4$(aq), which remain as molecules in solution.
K$_2$SO$_4$ dissociates into 2 K$^+$ and 1 SO$_4^{2-}$, and water orients O toward K$^+$ and H toward SO$_4^{2-}$.
Explanation
This question tests the representation of polyatomic ionic solutions at the particulate level, including ion counts and solvent orientation. Potassium sulfate, K₂SO₄, dissociates completely in water into two K⁺ ions and one SO₄²⁻ ion per formula unit, as it is a soluble ionic salt. Water molecules orient with their oxygen atoms toward the positively charged K⁺ ions and hydrogen atoms toward the negatively charged SO₄²⁻ ions, facilitating hydration and stability. This ion-dipole interaction is key to understanding solubility in polar solvents. A tempting distractor is choice C, which incorrectly shows 1 K²⁺ and 1 SO₄²⁻ with random orientation, stemming from the misconception that formulas do not indicate ion ratios and that orientation is unimportant. To solve such problems, break down the ionic formula into its constituent ions and apply the principle that water dipoles align oppositely to ion charges.
A student adds a few drops of food coloring (a polar molecular dye) to water and observes it spread throughout the beaker over time. Which particulate-level description best explains the spreading?
Dye molecules spread because water molecules convert them into H$_3$O$^+$ and OH$^-$ ions.
Water molecules chemically react with dye to form a new soluble ionic compound.
Dye molecules dissociate into ions that are pulled to the bottom of the beaker by gravity.
Dye molecules remain clustered because intermolecular forces prevent any mixing with water.
Dye molecules move randomly and disperse due to molecular motion, forming a uniform mixture over time.
Explanation
This question assesses the understanding of diffusion in solutions at the particulate level. The correct answer is B, as the polar dye molecules disperse throughout the water due to random molecular motion, leading to a uniform solution over time. This process is diffusion driven by kinetic energy, without needing stirring. The polarity allows interaction with water. A tempting distractor is D, claiming molecules remain clustered; this is incorrect due to the misconception that intermolecular forces prevent mixing, ignoring entropy-driven dispersion. To explain mixing, consider random particle motion and compatibility of solute-solvent interactions.
A beaker contains an aqueous solution of Na$_3$PO$_4$. Which particulate-level description best represents the phosphate species present after dissolving (ignoring any acid–base reactions with water)?
PO$_4^{3-}$ breaks into P$^{3+}$ and four O$^{2-}$ ions that are each hydrated separately.
PO$_4^{3-}$ becomes neutral PO$_4$(aq) molecules, while Na$^+$ becomes NaOH(aq) molecules.
PO$_4^{3-}$ remains intact as a polyatomic ion and is hydrated, while Na$^+$ ions are also hydrated.
PO$_4^{3-}$ cannot exist in water, so it converts completely to P(s) and O$_2$(g).
PO$_4^{3-}$ stays attached to Na$^+$ as Na$_3$PO$_4$ ion clusters that do not separate in water.
Explanation
This question evaluates the stability of polyatomic ions in aqueous solutions. The correct answer is A, as PO43- remains an intact polyatomic ion hydrated along with Na+ ions, ignoring acid-base reactions. Phosphate does not break into monatomic ions. This maintains the solution's composition. A tempting distractor is B, suggesting decomposition; this is incorrect due to the misconception that polyatomic ions are unstable in water. Treat polyatomic ions as single units in particulate representations unless specified otherwise.
A student dissolves solid Ba(OH)$_2$ in water to make a basic solution. Which particulate-level description best represents the dissolved species?
Ba$^{2+}$ and OH$^-$ ions are present, with water molecules oriented around the ions due to ion–dipole attractions.
Ba$^+$ and OH$^{2-}$ ions are present, with water molecules randomly oriented around them.
Ba(OH)$_2$ dissolves by forming covalent bonds with water to produce Ba–O–H chains.
Ba(OH)$_2$ remains as neutral Ba(OH)$_2$ molecules dispersed among water molecules.
Ba$^{2+}$ and OH$^-$ ions are present, but OH$^-$ cannot exist in water so it immediately becomes O$^{2-}$.
Explanation
This question evaluates the particulate representation of strong base solutions. The correct answer is B, as Ba(OH)2 fully dissociates into Ba2+ and two OH- ions, with water orienting via ion-dipole attractions around each. This produces a basic, conductive solution. The hydroxide ions remain stable. A tempting distractor is A, suggesting neutral molecules; this is incorrect due to the misconception that strong bases do not ionize. Represent strong electrolytes as completely dissociated ions with proper solvent interactions.
A student dissolves solid CO$_2$ (dry ice) into water under pressure to form carbonated water. Which particulate-level description best represents the dissolved CO$_2$ (ignoring the small amount that reacts to form carbonic acid)?
CO$_2$ remains as neutral molecules dispersed in water, interacting primarily through London dispersion forces and some dipole-induced dipole.
CO$_2$ forms CO$_2^-$ and CO$_2^+$ ions that are stabilized by ion–dipole attractions in water.
CO$_2$ forms strong hydrogen bonds to water because CO$_2$ has O–H bonds.
CO$_2$ dissociates completely into C$^{4+}$ and O$^{2-}$ ions that become hydrated by water.
CO$_2$ forms a lattice of alternating ions that breaks into ion pairs in solution.
Explanation
This question tests the representation of nonpolar molecular gases in water, ignoring reactions. The correct answer is B, as CO2 dissolves as neutral molecules interacting via London dispersion and dipole-induced dipole forces with water. Solubility is limited due to nonpolarity. Most CO2 remains unreacted as specified. A tempting distractor is A, claiming dissociation into ions; this is incorrect due to the misconception that gases ionize like salts. For nonpolar solutes, emphasize weak intermolecular forces in representations.
A student prepares a solution by dissolving CaCl$_2$(s) in water. Which particulate-level description best represents the dissolved solute particles?
CaCl$_2$ dissolves to produce Ca$^+$ and Cl$_2^-$ ions that are stabilized by water dipoles.
Ca$^{2+}$ and Cl$^-$ ions form, but each Ca$^{2+}$ stays permanently bonded to exactly one Cl$^-$ in solution.
Ca$^{2+}$ and Cl$^-$ ions form, but the number of Cl$^-$ ions equals the number of Ca$^{2+}$ ions.
Ca$^{2+}$ and 2 Cl$^-$ ions are present, each hydrated by water with appropriate orientation of water’s partial charges.
CaCl$_2$ remains as neutral CaCl$_2$(aq) formula units dispersed uniformly among water molecules.
Explanation
This question assesses the representation of ionic solutions at the particulate level, including ion stoichiometry and hydration. The correct answer is C, as CaCl2 dissociates into one Ca2+ ion and two Cl- ions per formula unit, with each ion hydrated by water molecules oriented according to their charges—oxygen toward Ca2+ and hydrogen toward Cl-. This dissociation and hydration process allows the solid to dissolve fully, forming separated, mobile ions. The 1:2 ratio of cations to anions is crucial for accurate representation. A tempting distractor is D, which states equal numbers of Ca2+ and Cl- ions; this is incorrect due to the misconception of ignoring the subscript stoichiometry in the formula. Always verify ion ratios from the compound's formula and apply ion-dipole orientation principles for solution representations.
Two beakers contain equal volumes of water at the same temperature. Beaker 1 contains dissolved glucose (C$6$H${12}$O$_6$). Beaker 2 contains dissolved MgCl$_2$. Which statement best compares the particulate-level composition of the two solutions?
Glucose and MgCl$_2$ both form ion pairs that stay together as touching units throughout the solution.
Glucose remains as neutral molecules, while MgCl$_2$ forms Mg$^{2+}$ and Cl$^-$ ions that are hydrated by water.
Glucose forms C$^{6+}$ and O$^{2-}$ ions, while MgCl$_2$ remains as neutral MgCl$_2$ units.
Both solutions contain separated ions, because any solute in water dissociates into ions.
Both solutions contain only neutral solute molecules dispersed among water molecules.
Explanation
This question assesses comparative particulate representations of molecular and ionic solutions. The correct answer is C, as glucose is a molecular solute that remains as neutral C6H12O6 molecules dispersed in water, while MgCl2 dissociates into hydrated Mg2+ and Cl- ions. The ionic dissociation in MgCl2 leads to conductivity, unlike the non-ionic glucose solution. Both solutions are at the same temperature and volume, highlighting the difference in solute behavior. A tempting distractor is B, suggesting both dissociate into ions; this is incorrect due to the misconception that all solutes ionize in water, failing to distinguish molecular from ionic compounds. To compare solutions, classify solutes as ionic or molecular and represent their dissociation accordingly.