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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