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What is the Density of a Saturated Salt Solution?

Published in Solution Density 2 mins read

The density of a saturated salt solution at 25°C is 1.202 g/ml.

Understanding the density of a saturated salt solution is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications. A saturated solution is one where no more solute (in this case, salt) can be dissolved in the solvent (typically water) at a given temperature. The density, which is mass per unit volume, is an important physical property of such solutions.

Factors Affecting Density

While the reference provides a specific density at 25°C, it's important to understand that several factors influence the density of a saturated salt solution:

  • Temperature: Density is temperature-dependent. Generally, as temperature increases, density decreases because the volume of the solution expands.
  • Type of Salt: Different salts have different molar masses and interact with water differently, leading to variations in density. The provided density of 1.202 g/ml is likely based on common table salt (sodium chloride).
  • Concentration: Density increases with the concentration of the dissolved salt up to the saturation point. Once saturated, further addition of salt will not change the density.

Practical Implications

The density of a saturated salt solution has implications in various fields:

  • Chemical Analysis: Accurate density measurements are crucial for various analytical techniques.
  • Food Processing: In processes like brining or pickling, the density of the salt solution is a key factor.
  • Marine Science: The density of seawater, which is a salt solution, affects ocean currents and the buoyancy of marine organisms.

Example Calculation

Consider a saturated salt solution with a volume of 100 ml. Using the provided density (1.202 g/ml):

  • Mass = Density × Volume
  • Mass = 1.202 g/ml × 100 ml
  • Mass = 120.2 g

Therefore, 100 ml of a saturated salt solution at 25°C would weigh 120.2 g.

Summary

Property Value
Density 1.202 g/ml
Temperature 25°C
State Saturated Salt Solution

The density of a saturated salt solution is not a fixed value but is influenced by factors such as temperature and the type of salt. The value 1.202 g/ml at 25°C is a common and useful reference point.

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