Question

Which of the following solutes dissolved in 1000g of water would provide the fewest number of particles?

A) 1000 g of glucose (C6H12O6)
B) 1000 g of sodium chloride (NaCl)
C) 1000 g of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
D) 1000 g of potassium sulfate (K2SO4)

Answer 1

Option A

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of particles a solute provides in a solution depends on its chemical formula and how it dissociates or ionizes in water.

A) 1000 g of glucose (C6H12O6) does not ionize or dissociate in water, so it remains as individual molecules. Therefore, it provides the fewest particles since it's composed of only C, H, and O atoms.

B) 1000 g of sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociates into two ions (Na⁺ and Cl⁻) in water, so it provides two particles per formula unit.

C) 1000 g of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) can dissociate into three ions (Ca²⁺, CO₃²⁻) in water, so it provides three particles per formula unit.

D) 1000 g of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) can dissociate into three ions (2K⁺ and SO₄²⁻) in water, so it also provides three particles per formula unit.

So, option A, 1000 g of glucose (C6H12O6), provides the fewest number of particles because it doesn't dissociate or ionize in water.