What is the exact normality of a solution prepared by dissolving 4 grams of sodium hydroxide in water to make a total solution volume of 500 milliliters, given that the molar mass of sodium hydroxide is 40 grams per mole?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Normality is defined as the number of gram equivalents of solute dissolved per liter of solution. The number of moles of sodium hydroxide is four grams divided by forty grams per mole, which equals zero point one moles. Since sodium hydroxide furnishes one hydroxide ion per formula unit, its n-factor is one, making normality equal to molarity. Molarity is calculated by dividing zero point one moles by zero point five liters, yielding zero point two normal.