Lab Master Guide
01. Essential Solution Formulas
Molarity (M)
The most common concentration unit in analytical chemistry.
Molarity (M) = moles of solute / Liters of solution (L)
Mass (g) = M × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight
💡 Rule: Always dissolve solute in a smaller volume first, then dilute to the mark.
Normality (N)
Equivalents (n): H₂SO₄ (n=2), NaOH (n=1).
Normality (N) = Molarity (M) × Valence (n)
02. Standard Dilution
The Master Equation
C1 × V1 = C2 × V2
⚠️ Safety: Add stock chemicals to solvent, never solvent to concentrated acid.
03. Reference Standards
| Buffer | pKa | Optimal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Acetate | 4.76 | 3.8 – 5.8 |
| Phosphate | 7.20 | 6.2 – 8.2 |
| Tris | 8.06 | 7.0 – 9.0 |
| Carbonate | 10.33 | 9.3 – 11.3 |