Standard Solution Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Standard Solution

Volumetric flasks are used to accurately prepare solutions for chemistry.
Volumetric flasks are used to accurately prepare solutions for chemistry.

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on August 02, 2022

A standard solution is any chemical solution which has a precisely known concentration. Similarly, a solution of known concentration has been standardized. To prepare a standard solution, dissolve a known mass of solute and dilute the the solution to a precise volume.

Standard solution concentration is usually expressed in terms of molarity (M) or moles per liter (mol/L). Not all substances are suitable solutes for standard solutions. The reagent must be stable, pure, and preferably of high molecular weight.

Source

  • Freiser, Henry; Nancollas, George H. (1987). Compendium of Analytical Nomenclature: Definitive Rules 1987. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications. p. 48. ISBN 0-632-01907-7.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Standard Solution Definition." ThoughtCo, Aug. 2, 2022, thoughtco.com/definition-of-standard-solution-604658. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2022, August 2). Standard Solution Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-standard-solution-604658 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Standard Solution Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-standard-solution-604658 (accessed June 5, 2023).