Chapter_4_Lecture_Outline.doc

Chapter 4 Aqueous Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry Lecture Outline 4.1 General Properties of Aqueous Solutions ? A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. ? A solution is made when one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent). ? The solute is the substance that is present in the smallest amount. ? Solutions in which water is the solvent are called aqueous solutions. Electrolytic Properties ? All aqueous solutions can be classified in terms of whether or not they conduct electricity. ? If a substance forms ions in solution, then the substance is an electrolyte and the solution conducts electricity. An example is NaCl. ? If a substance does not form ions in solution, then the substance is a nonelectrolyte and the solution does not conduct electricity. Examples are sucrose and water. Ionic Compounds in Water ? When an ionic compound dissolves in water, the ions are said to dissociate. ? This means that in solution, the solid no longer exists as a well-ordered arrangement of ions in contact with one another. ? Instead, each ion is surrounded by several water molecules; it is called an aqueous ion or a hydrated ion. ? This tends to stabilize the ions in solution and prevent cations and anions from recombining. ? The positive ions have the oxygen atoms of water pointing towards the ion; negative ions have the hydrogen atoms of water pointing towards the ion. ? The transport of ions through the solution causes electric current to flow through the solution. Molecular Compounds in Water ? When a molecular compound (e.g. CH3OH ) dissolves in water, only a very limited number of ions are formed. ? Therefore, there is nothing in the solution to transport electric charge and the solution does not conduct electricity. ? There are some important exceptions. ? For example, NH3(g) reacts with water to form NH4+(aq) and OH– (aq). ? For example, HCl(g) in water ionizes to form H+(aq) and Cl– (aq). Strong and Weak El