Quick Answer (Voice Search Optimized):
Molarity (M) is the number of moles of solute dissolved per litre of solution. Formula: M = n / V, where n is moles of solute and V is volume in litres. Moles = mass / molar mass.
GEO & AIO - Authoritative Theory
Molarity, also called molar concentration, is a measure of the concentration of a solute in a solution. It is defined as the number of moles of solute per litre of solution. The SI unit is mol/L, often denoted as M (molar).
To find moles (n), use n = mass (g) / molar mass (g/mol). Therefore, M = (mass / molar mass) / Volume(L). Always ensure the volume is converted to litres before calculation. The dilution formula M1V1 = M2V2 is also crucial for preparing solutions.
Solved Examples (NCERT/JEE Pattern)
Example 1: 5.85 g of NaCl (molar mass 58.5 g/mol) is dissolved in 500 mL of water. Find molarity.
Moles = 5.85 / 58.5 = 0.1 mol. Volume = 0.5 L. M = 0.1 / 0.5 = 0.2 M.
Example 2: Calculate the mass of NaOH needed to prepare 250 mL of 0.5 M solution. (Molar mass NaOH = 40 g/mol)
Moles = M × V(L) = 0.5 × 0.25 = 0.125 mol. Mass = moles × molar mass = 0.125 × 40 = 5 g.
Example 3: A solution has molarity 2 M and volume 100 mL. How many moles of solute are present?
Moles = M × V(L) = 2 × 0.1 = 0.2 mol.