Understanding Dilution
Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent. The key principle is that the total amount of solute remains the same, even though the volume increases.
Formula
We can use the following formula for dilution calculations:
M₁V₁ = M₂V₂
Where:
* M₁ = Initial concentration of the concentrated solution
* V₁ = Initial volume of the concentrated solution
* M₂ = Final concentration of the diluted solution
* V₂ = Final volume of the diluted solution
Applying the Formula
1. Identify the knowns:
* M₁ = 1 M (initial concentration of HCl)
* V₁ = 20 mL (initial volume of HCl)
* V₂ = 60 mL (final volume of the diluted solution)
2. Solve for M₂ (the final concentration):
* M₂ = (M₁V₁) / V₂
* M₂ = (1 M * 20 mL) / 60 mL
* M₂ = 0.33 M
Answer
The concentration of the resulting solution is 0.33 M.
