Science, Tech, Math › Science Molar Concentration of Ions Example Problem Share Flipboard Email Print GIPhotoStock / Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Todd Helmenstine Todd Helmenstine Todd Helmenstine is a science writer and illustrator who has taught physics and math at the college level. He holds bachelor's degrees in both physics and mathematics. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on August 20, 2019 This example problem demonstrates how to calculate the molarity of ions in an aqueous solution. Molarity is a concentration in terms of moles per liter of solution. Because an ionic compound dissociates into its components cations and anions in solution, the key to the problem is identifying how many moles of ions are produced during dissolution. Molar Concentration of Ions Problem A solution is prepared by dissolving 9.82 grams of copper chloride (CuCl2) in enough water to make 600 milliliters of solution. What is the molarity of the Cl ions in the solution? Solution To find the molarity of the ions, first determine the molarity of the solute and the ion-to-solute ratio. Step 1: Find the molarity of the solute. From the periodic table: Atomic mass of Cu = 63.55Atomic mass of Cl = 35.45Atomic mass of CuCl2 = 1(63.55) + 2(35.45)Atomic mass of CuCl2 = 63.55 + 70.9 Atomic mass of CuCl2 = 134.45 g/mol Number of moles of CuCl2 = 9.82 g x 1 mol/134.45 gNumber of moles of CuCl2 = 0.07 molMsolute = Number of moles of CuCl2/VolumeMsolute = 0.07 mol/(600 mL x 1 L/1000 mL)Msolute = 0.07 mol/0.600 LMsolute = 0.12 mol/L Step 2: Find the ion-to-solute ratio. CuCl2 dissociates by the reaction CuCl2 → Cu2+ + 2Cl- Ion/solute = Number of moles of Cl-/number of moles of CuCl2Ion/solute = 2 moles of Cl-/1 mole CuCl2 Step 3: Find the ion molarity. M of Cl- = M of CuCl2 x ion/soluteM of Cl- = 0.12 moles CuCl2/L x 2 moles of Cl-/1 mole CuCl2M of Cl- = 0.24 moles of Cl-/LM of Cl- = 0.24 M Answer The molarity of the Cl ions in the solution is 0.24 M. A Note About Solubility While this calculation is straightforward when an ionic compound completely dissolves in solution, it's a bit trickier when a substance is only partially soluble. You set up the problem the same way but then multiply the answer by the fraction that dissolves. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Todd. "Molar Concentration of Ions Example Problem." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/molar-concentration-of-ions-example-problem-609513. Helmenstine, Todd. (2020, August 28). Molar Concentration of Ions Example Problem. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/molar-concentration-of-ions-example-problem-609513 Helmenstine, Todd. "Molar Concentration of Ions Example Problem." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/molar-concentration-of-ions-example-problem-609513 (accessed May 30, 2023). copy citation