Concentration of Solutions Methods of Expression, Calculations & Clinical Importance
Covers the definition of solution concentration and the main ways it is expressed: percentage forms (w/w, w/v, v/v), molarity, molality, normality, ppm and milliequivalents, with the formulae and a worked example for each. It then gives osmolarity and osmolality, the dilution formula C1V1 = C2V2, and the clinical uses of these measures in intravenous fluids, drug dosing, electrolyte balance and diagnostics.
Topic 19 of 47 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Chemistry (Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 11 sections, about 458 words (3 min of reading), with 16 flashcards.
In this note
Concentration of Solutions
Methods of Expression, Calculations & Clinical Importance
Definition of Concentration
Methods of Expressing Concentration
Molarity (M)
Molality (m)
Normality (N)
Parts Per Million (ppm)
Milliequivalent (mEq)
Osmolarity and Osmolality
Dilution Formula
Clinical Importance of Concentration of Solutions
Definition of Concentration
Concentration of a solution is the amount of solute present in a given quantity of solvent or solution.
Solution = Solute + Solvent
Example: Glucose dissolved in water → glucose = solute, water = solvent.
Methods of Expressing Concentration
Percentage Concentration (%)
1.1 Weight in Weight (% w/w) - Grams of solute in 100 g of solution.
% w/w = (Weight of solute (g) / Weight of solution (g)) × 100
Example: 5 g NaCl in 100 g solution → 5% w/w
Clinical use: Solid or semi-solid preparations (ointments, creams)
1.2 Weight in Volume (% w/v) - Grams of solute in 100 mL of solution.
% w/v = (Weight of solute (g) / Volume of solution (mL)) × 100
Example: 5 g glucose in 100 mL solution → 5% w/v
Clinical use -IV fluids (5% dextrose).
1.3 Volume in Volume (% v/v)
% v/v = (Volume of solute (mL) / Volume of solution (mL)) × 100
Example:
70 mL alcohol in 100 mL solution → 70% v/v
Clinical use:
Alcohol disinfectants.
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