In solution concentration, weight percent is defined as which expression?

In solution concentration, weight percent is defined as which expression?

• A. (grams analyte/grams sample) x 10
• B. (grams analyte/grams solvent) x 100
• C. (grams analyte/grams sample) x 100
• D. (grams analyte per liter) x 100

Answer: (C)

Weight percent shows how much of the total mass of a solution is the solute. It is defined as the mass of solute divided by the total mass of the solution, multiplied by 100. In practice, that means using grams of analyte in the numerator and grams of the entire sample (the solution) in the denominator, then multiplying by 100. For example, 5 g of solute in 100 g of solution gives 5% w/w. This differs from using the solvent mass in the denominator or using a mass-per-volume expression, which would not be weight percent.

Weight percent shows how much of the total mass of a solution is the solute. It is defined as the mass of solute divided by the total mass of the solution, multiplied by 100. In practice, that means using grams of analyte in the numerator and grams of the entire sample (the solution) in the denominator, then multiplying by 100. For example, 5 g of solute in 100 g of solution gives 5% w/w. This differs from using the solvent mass in the denominator or using a mass-per-volume expression, which would not be weight percent.