Normality Formula, Equivalent Mass Calculation and Relation With Molar Mass, Examples


Q1: What is Normality (N) in chemistry?

A: Normality (N) is a measure of concentration that expresses the number of equivalents of a solute dissolved in one liter (or dm³) of a solution. It is especially useful in acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and titrations.


Q2: What is the formula for Normality?

A: $$\text{Normality (N)} = \frac{\text{Number of equivalents of solute}}{\text{Volume of solution in liters}}$$

This means that normality depends on both the quantity of solute (in equivalents) and the total volume of the solution.


Q3: What is Equivalent Mass, and how is it related to Molar Mass?

A: Equivalent mass is the mass of a substance that reacts with or replaces one mole of H⁺ (for acids), one mole of OH⁻ (for bases), or one mole of electrons (for redox reactions).

It is calculated using the formula: $$\text{Equivalent Mass} (E) = \frac{\text{Molar Mass} (M)}{\text{n-factor}}$$

where:

  • Molar Mass (M) is the molecular weight of the substance in grams per mole.
  • n-factor (also called valency factor) depends on the type of reaction:
    • Acids: Number of H+ ions donated per molecule.
    • Bases: Number of OH ions accepted per molecule.
    • Salts: Total positive or negative charge contributed by one formula unit.
    • Redox reactions: Number of electrons lost or gained per molecule.

Thus, equivalent mass is always a fraction of molar mass, making it highly specific to reaction type.


Q4: How is Normality related to Equivalent Mass and Molar Mass?

A: We can express Normality in terms of mass and equivalent mass: $$\text{Normality} = \frac{\text{Mass of solute} (W)}{\text{Equivalent mass} (E) \times \text{Volume of solution in liters} (V)}$$

Since $$E = \frac{M}{\text{n-factor}}$$​,

We get: $$\text{Normality} = \frac{W}{\left(\frac{M}{\text{n-factor}}\right) \times V}$$

which simplifies to:

$$N = \frac{W \times \text{n-factor}}{M \times V}$$

This formula helps in directly calculating Normality when molar mass and reaction type are known.


Q5: How is Equivalent Mass Different for Acids, Bases, and Redox Compounds?

Substance TypeFormula for Equivalent Mass (E)Example Calculation
Acid$$E = \frac{M}{\text{Basicity (n-factor)}}$$H2SO4 → 2H+ + SO42-$$E = \frac{98}{2} $$
$$E = 49 \:g/equiv$$
Base$$E = \frac{M}{\text{Acidity (n-factor)}}$$NaOH → Na+ + OH$$E = \frac{40}{1} $$
$$E = 40 g/equiv$$
Redox Compound$$E = \frac{M}{\text{Electrons Transferred (n-factor)}}$$Fe2+ → Fe3+ $$E = \frac{55.8}{1} $$
$$E = 55.8 g/equiv$$

Q6: Real-world example of Normality calculation?

A: Let’s calculate the normality of H2SO4 solution where 4.9 g of H2SO4 is dissolved in 250 mL (0.25 L) of solution.

Step 1: Determine the equivalent mass of H2SO4

  • Molar mass of H₂SO₄ = 98 g/mol
  • Since H2SO4 donates 2 H+ ions per molecule, its n-factor = 2
  • Equivalent mass: $$E = \frac{98}{2} = 49 \text{ g/equiv}$$ $$E = 49 g/equiv$$

Step 2: Use the Normality Formula

$$N = \frac{W}{E \times V} = \frac{4.9}{49 \times 0.25}$$

Step 3: Solve

$$N = \frac{4.9}{12.25} = 0.4 \text{ N}$$

Thus, the normality of the solution is 0.4 N.


Q7: How is Normality Different from Molarity?

PropertyNormality (N)Molarity (M)
DefinitionEquivalents of solute per literMoles of solute per liter
DependenceVaries based on reaction type (n-factor)Independent of reaction type
Formula$$N = \frac{W}{E \times V}$$$$M = \frac{W}{M \times V}$$
Use CasesAcid-base, redox, titrationsGeneral solution concentration

For substances where n-factor = 1, normality and molarity are the same.


Q8: How Does Temperature Affect Normality?

A: Since volume changes with temperature due to expansion or contraction of the solvent, normality (which depends on volume) also varies with temperature.

Example: A 1 N H2SO4 solution at 25°C may have a different normality at 50°C due to volume expansion.


Q9: How Do You Prepare a Solution of Known Normality?

To prepare a solution of a given normality:

  1. Calculate the required mass of solute using: $$W = N \times E \times V$$
  2. Weigh the solute accurately.
  3. Dissolve in distilled water and mix well.
  4. Transfer to a volumetric flask and adjust to the desired volume.
  5. Shake well for uniform distribution.

Example: To prepare 1 N HCl solution, dissolve 36.5 g of HCl in 1 L of water.


Final Takeaway: Why is Normality Important?

  • More precise than molarity for reactions where reaction equivalents matter.
  • Adapts to different chemical processes, making it useful for titrations and industrial formulations.
  • Crucial for stoichiometric calculations in acid-base and redox reactions.

Understanding normality with equivalent mass and molar mass helps ensure accurate solution preparation and chemical analysis! 🎯


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Er. Neeraj K.Anand is a freelance mentor and writer who specializes in Engineering & Science subjects. Neeraj Anand received a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from N.I.T Warangal & M.Tech Post Graduation from IETE, New Delhi. He has over 30 years of teaching experience and serves as the Head of Department of ANAND CLASSES. He concentrated all his energy and experiences in academics and subsequently grew up as one of the best mentors in the country for students aspiring for success in competitive examinations. In parallel, he started a Technical Publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS" in 2002 and Educational Newspaper "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS" in 2014 at Jalandhar. Now he is a Director of leading publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS", "ANAND CLASSES" and "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS". He has published more than hundred books in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Information Technology. Besides this he has written many books to help students prepare for IIT-JEE and AIPMT entrance exams. He is an executive member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. USA) and honorary member of many Indian scientific societies such as Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Aeronautical Society of India, Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institution of Engineers. He has got award from American Biographical Institute Board of International Research in the year 2005.