A LITTLE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
General chemistry: solutions, gases and equilibrium
Dilution keeps moles of solute constant
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The same lemonade gets stretched with more water.
The idea behind the cue
For a simple dilution, the moles of solute stay constant, so concentration and volume are inversely related. The standard relation is M1V1 = M2V2 when the same solute is diluted without reaction. This works because moles before dilution equal moles after dilution.
Practice this flashcard →Make it memorable
Short & simple
The same lemonade gets stretched with more water.
Acronym
DMV — Dramatic Muffins Vanish.
Story
A lemonade pitcher gets extra water poured in. The drink tastes weaker, but the amount of lemonade powder originally added has not vanished. Only the concentration changed because the total volume increased.
Connect the pieces
- D (Dramatic) → Dilution: In a simple dilution, the solute is spread out but not created or destroyed.
- M (Muffins) → Moles: The moles of solute stay constant before and after dilution, assuming no reaction or loss.
- V (Vanish) → Volume: As volume increases, concentration drops; the relation is M1V1 = M2V2.
- Dramatic · Dilution: In a simple dilution, the solute is spread out but not created or destroyed.
- Muffins · Moles: The moles of solute stay constant before and after dilution, assuming no reaction or loss.
- Vanish · Volume: As volume increases, concentration drops; the relation is M1V1 = M2V2.
Know the limits
Applies to dilution without chemical reaction, evaporation, or solute loss.
Further reading · OpenStax science and mathematics textbooks ↗Check your understanding
A solution is diluted by adding solvent only. Which quantity stays constant?
A. concentration of solvent
B. moles of solute
C. molarity
D. volume
Reveal explanation
moles of solute
Dilution changes volume and molarity, but the amount of solute remains the same if none is lost or reacted.