Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Lesson 4.1
Percentage by Mass, Volume, and Mass/Volume
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objective 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

Concentration of Solution 4
Parts of Solute by Parts of Solution 5
Percentage by Mass, % m/m 6
Percentage by Volume, % v/v 6
Percentage by Mass per Volume, % m/v 7

Key Points 11

Key Formulas 11

Check Your Understanding 12

Challenge Yourself 14

Bibliography 14

Key to Try It! 15

Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Lesson 4.1

Percentage by Mass, Volume, and

Mass/Volume

Introduction
How much pizza can you eat in an hour? A standard pizza is usually divided into eight parts.
Most customers can eat two out of eight pizzas, or one-fourth of the whole pizza. Similar to
how one can describe pizzas in terms of slices and fractions, the amount of solute present
in a solution can be described by expressing its concentration with appropriate units. Some
of these fractional units include percentage by mass, percentage by volume, and
percentage by mass per volume. This lesson discusses these units of concentration.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Learning Objective DepEd Competency

In this lesson, you should be able to Use different ways of expressing

concentration of solutions: percent
express the concentration of solutions in
by mass, mole fraction, molarity,
percentage by mass, percentage by volume, molality, percent by volume,
and percentage by mass/volume. percent by mass, ppm
(STEM_GC11PP-IIId-f-111).

Warm Up
The Greatest Power 15 minutes
Which of the following solutions has the greatest power output? Find out in this activity as
you correctly prepare solutions with different concentrations.

Materials
● rock salt
● spatula
● watch glass
● distilled water
● volumetric pipette
● aspirator
● wash bottle
● 50-mL volumetric flasks
● conductivity setup
● improvised conductivity setup
○ battery power pack
○ flashlight bulb
○ 3 pieces of insulated wire, at least 6 inches in length
○ rubber band
○ masking tape

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

○ wire stripper

Procedure
1. Weigh 1 g of rock salt in a watch glass.
2. Transfer it quantitatively in a 50-mL volumetric flask. Label the volumetric flask as
“solution 1”. Dilute the solution with enough water to reach the mark in the flask’s
neck.
3. Transfer 10 mL of solution 1 in a small beaker. Test its conductivity using a
conductivity setup. Observe how bright the bulb gets and record it in Table 4.1.1.
4. Weigh 10 g of rock salt in a watch glass.
5. Transfer it quantitatively in a 50-mL volumetric flask. Label the volumetric flask as
“solution 2”. Dilute the solution with enough water to reach the mark in the flask’s
neck.
6. Transfer 10 mL of solution 2 in a small beaker. Test its conductivity using a
conductivity setup. Observe how bright the bulb gets and record it in Table 4.1.1.
7. Weigh 25 g of rock salt in a watch glass.
8. Transfer it quantitatively in a 50-mL volumetric flask. Label the volumetric flask as
“solution 3”. Dilute the solution with enough water to reach the mark in the flask’s
neck.
9. Transfer 10 mL of solution 3 in a small beaker. Test its conductivity using a
conductivity setup. Observe how bright the bulb gets and record it in Table 4.1.1.
10. Alternatively, if a conductivity setup is not available, you can create an improvised
conductivity setup by following the steps below.
● Remove at least an inch of coating in both ends of the 6-inch wires.
● Wrap one end of each wire on opposite sides of the flashlight bulb.
● On one side, wrap the exposed end to the positive side of the battery.
● Using the last wire, wrap one end to the negative side of the battery.
● The conductivity setup is ready to use. You can fix portions of the loose ends
on a flat surface with masking tape.
11. Answer the guide questions that follow.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Observation Table
Table 4.1.1. Conductivity of prepared NaCl solutions

Conductivity of solution
Solution Mass of NaCl weighed, g
(relative brightness)

Guide Questions
1. Which solution produced the brightest bulb? Which produced the dimmest bulb?
2. Calculate the percentage by mass per volume of each solution using the equation
below.

Which of the following solutions has the highest percentage by mass per volume?
3. What do you think is the relationship between percentage by mass per volume and
conductivity? How can you explain this relationship?

Learn about It!

Concentration of Solution
The amount of solute present in a solution is described by its concentration. Concentration
is an intensive property as it represents the proportion of a substance with respect to the
whole solution. It does not depend on the amount of the solution—a 1.0 L 1.0 M NaCl has
the same concentration as 1 mL 1.0 M NaCl.

How is the concentration of solutions expressed?

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Concentration often expresses the ratio of the amount of the solute to the amount of the
solution, but sometimes it is also expressed with respect to the amount of the solvent.
Table 4.1.2 shows some commonly used units of concentration.

Table 4.1.2. Commonly used units of concentration

Concentration Term Unit

Percentage by mass, % m/m

Percentage by volume, % v/v

Percentage by mass/volume, % m/v

Molarity, M

Molality, m

Normality, N

Mole Fraction, 𝛘

Parts per million, ppm

Parts per billion, ppb

Parts of Solute by Parts of Solution

As seen in Table 4.2.2, most units of concentration are expressed in terms of ‘parts of
solute’ with respect to ‘parts of the solution.’ This is evident in % m/m, % v/v, % m/v, ppm,
ppb, and 𝛘. The first three units stated will be discussed in this lesson.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Percentage by Mass, % m/m

Percentage by mass (% m/m), also known as mass percent or weight percent (% w/w),
is defined as the mass of solute per mass of the solution. The word “percent” means one
hundred; thus, the percentage by mass determines the mass of the solute per 100 parts by
mass of the solution. Mathematically, it is expressed as the mass fraction times 100.

The masses of the solute and the solution should be expressed in the same units; hence,
the mass fraction is unitless. Values of percentage by mass are usually written on containers
of solid chemicals to indicate percent purity by mass. Two other related concentration units,
parts per million (ppm) and parts per billion (ppb) will be discussed in future lessons.

Percentage by Volume, % v/v

Percentage by volume (% v/v), also known as volume percent, is defined as the volume
of solute per volume of the solution. The word “percent” means one hundred; thus, the
percentage by volume determines the volume of the solute per 100 parts by volume of the
solution. Mathematically, it is expressed as the volume fraction times 100.

The volumes of the solute and the solution should be expressed in the same units; hence,
the volume fraction is unitless. Liquid-liquid solutions are often expressed in this unit. For
instance, commercial rubbing alcohol, which is 70% v/v, contains 70 volumes of isopropyl
alcohol per 100 volume of the solution. A 100 mL commercial rubbing alcohol contains 70
mL isopropyl alcohol and 30 mL of water.

Proof is a commonly used unit for alcohol concentration. It is mathematically defined as two
times the percentage by volume of the alcohol in the solution. For example, a 90-proof
whiskey has a percentage by volume of 45 % v/v in alcohol content. So far, Bacardi-151 has
the highest proof value of 151 (75.5 % v/v), and is described as “overproof.” Regular wine has
an average proof value of 20.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Percentage by Mass per Volume, % m/v

Percentage by mass per volume (% m/v), also known as the percentage by weight per
volume (% w/v), is defined as the mass of solute per volume of the solution. The word
“percent” means one hundred; thus, the percentage by mass per volume determines the
mass of the solute per 100 parts by volume of the solution. Mathematically, it is expressed
using the equation below.

The mass of the solute is usually expressed in grams, while the volume of the solution is
usually expressed in milliliters. Aqueous solutions composed are often expressed in this
unit. A 15 % m/v NaCl solution contains 15 g of NaCl in 100 mL of the solution.

In what instances does the unit % m/m more

appropriate to use than % v/v?

Let's Practice!

Example 1
Calculate the concentration of a solution in percentage by mass prepared by dissolving 12 g
of NaCl to produce 50 g of the solution.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the concentration of the solution in percentage by
mass.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The mass of the solute and the total mass of the solution are given.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The concentration of the solution in percentage by mass is 24 % m/m.

1 Try It!
Calculate the concentration of a solution in percentage by volume prepared by
dissolving 10 mL of acetone to produce 100 mL of the solution.

Example 2
Calculate the concentration of ethanol, in percentage per volume, in a solution prepared by
dissolving 11 mL of ethanol with 10 mL of water.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the concentration of the solution in percentage by
volume.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The volume of the solute and the volume of the solvent are given.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

The total volume of the solution can be calculated by adding the volumes of the
solute and the solvent.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The concentration of ethanol in the solution in percentage by volume is 48 % v/v.

2 Try It!
Calculate the concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), in percentage per mass, in
a solution prepared by dissolving 22 g of NaOH with 53 g of water.

Example 3
Calculate the mass of sodium acetate (NaCH3COO), in grams, needed to be dissolved in
water to produce a 150 mL solution with a concentration of 20 % m/v.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the mass of NaCH3COO in grams.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The volume and concentration of the solution are given.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The mass of NaCH3COO to be dissolved in the solution is 30 g.

3 Try It!
Calculate the mass of potassium nitrate (KNO3), in grams, needed to be dissolved in
water to produce a 1000 mL solution with a concentration of 15 % m/v.

Tips
Make sure that the units are consistent. This will help you easily
determine the variable that you are looking for.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● Concentration represents the amount of solute present in a solution. It is an

intensive property as it represents the proportion of a substance with respect to
the whole solution.
● Percentage by mass (% m/m), also known as mass percent or weight percent (%
w/w), is defined as the mass of solute per mass of the solution.
● Percentage by volume (% v/v), also known as volume percent, is defined as the
volume of solute per volume of the solution.
● Proof is a commonly used unit for alcohol concentration. It is mathematically defined
as two times the percentage by volume of the alcohol in the solution.
● Percentage by mass per volume (% m/v), also known as percentage by weight
per volume (% w/v), is defined as the mass of solute per volume of the solution.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Formulas
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Percentage by Mass Use this formula to solve

for percentage by mass if
the mass of solute and the
where mass of solution are given.
● % m/m is percentage by
mass.

Percentage by Use this formula to solve

Volume for percentage by mass if
the volume of solute and
where the volume of solution are

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

● % v/v is percentage by given.

volume.

Percentage by Mass Use this formula to solve

per Volume for percentage by mass
per volume if the mass of
where solute and the volume of
● % m/v is percentage by mass solution are given.
per volume.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Identify what is asked in each item.

____________________________ 1. It represents the amount of solute present in a

solution.
____________________________ 2. It is defined as the mass of solute per mass of the
solution.
____________________________ 3. It is defined as the volume of solute per volume of
the solution.
____________________________ 4. It is defined as two times the percentage by volume
of the alcohol in the solution.
____________________________ 5. It is defined as the mass of solute per volume of the
solution.

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Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

B. Given below are the amounts of solute and solvent used in

preparing a solution. Complete the table below by calculating the
concentration of the resulting solution and express it in the correct
unit of concentration.

Concentration of the
No. Amount of solute Amount of solvent
solution

1. 10 mg 90 mg

2. 20 g 50 g

3. 10 g 90 000 mg

4. 1 mL 99 mL

5. 0.1 L 500 L

6. 1 mL 1 dL

7. 1 ng 1g

8. 24 mL 0.036 L

9. 0.01 g 0.0009 g

10. 8L 8L

C. Provide what is asked in the following items. Show your solution in

your notebooks.

1. Calculate the concentration of a solution in percentage by mass prepared by

dissolving 10 g of glucose to produce 11 g of the solution.
2. Calculate the concentration of a solution in percentage by volume prepared by
dissolving 100 mL of ether to produce 500 mL of the solution.
3. Calculate the concentration of isopropanol, in percentage per volume, in a solution
prepared by dissolving 21 mL of isopropanol with 100 mL of water.
4. Calculate the concentration of naphthalene, in percentage per mass, in a solution

4.1. Percentage by Mass, Volume, and Mass/Volume 13

Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

prepared by dissolving 19 g of naphthalene with 60 g of water.

5. Calculate the mass of aluminum sulfate, Al2(SO4)3, in grams, needed to be dissolved in
water to produce a 100 mL solution with a concentration of 10 % m/v.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following using one to two sentences.

1. How will you convert a concentration expressed in % m/m to % v/v?

2. How will you convert a proof value to % m/v?
3. When can an aqueous solution have the same magnitude of concentration whether
it is expressed in % m/m, % v/v, or % m/v?
4. Given below are the masses of drug A mixed with solvent B to form toxin solutions
that can kill flatworms.

Solution mass of A mass of B

1 5.50 78.2

2 31.0 152

3 4.5 29

Which of the solutions is the most effective in killing flatworms?

5. Calculate the mass of water, in grams, that must be added to 26.2 moles of MgCl2 to
prepare a 15 percent solution by mass.

Bibliography
Chang, Raymond, and Kenneth A. Goldsby. General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts. New
York: McGraw-Hill, 2014.

Handwerker, Mark J. Science Essentials. San Francisco, CA.: Jossey-Bass, 2005.

4.1. Percentage by Mass, Volume, and Mass/Volume 14

Unit 4: Expressing Concentration of Solutions

Hawe, Alan, Dan Davies, Kendra McMahon, Lee Towler, Chris Collier, and Tonie Scott.
Science 5–11: A Guide for Teachers. 2nd ed. New York, NY: David Fulton Publishers,
2009.

Petrucci, Ralph H. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Toronto, Ont.:
Pearson Canada, 2011.

Silberberg, Martin S. Principles of General Chemistry. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013.

Key to Try It!

1. 10 %
2. 29 %
3. 150 g

4.1. Percentage by Mass, Volume, and Mass/Volume 15