In order to help prevent tooth decay, fluoride ions at a level of 0.9 mg L$^{-1}$ of F$^-$ are added to Melbourne's public water supplies - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 4
In order to help prevent tooth decay, fluoride ions at a level of 0.9 mg L$^{-1}$ of F$^-$ are added to Melbourne's public water supplies. The fluoride ions are obta... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In order to help prevent tooth decay, fluoride ions at a level of 0.9 mg L$^{-1}$ of F$^-$ are added to Melbourne's public water supplies - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
i. Calculate the mass of sodium fluoride in mg that must be present in one litre of water to produce a concentration of fluoride ions of 0.90 mg L$^{-1}$.
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Answer
To find the mass of sodium fluoride (NaF) needed:
First, identify the molar mass of NaF:
Molar mass of Na = 22.99 g/mol
Molar mass of F = 19.00 g/mol
Molar mass of NaF = 22.99 + 19.00 = 41.99 g/mol
Using the concentration of fluoride ions:
We want a concentration of 0.90 mg L−1 in 1 L of water.
Therefore, the mass of fluoride ions required = 0.90 mg.
From the molecular formula, 1 mole of NaF gives 1 mole of fluoride ions. Thus:
1 mole of fluoride ions = 41.99 g of NaF.
Therefore, 0.90 mg of fluoride ions corresponds to:
Thus, the mass of sodium fluoride required is approximately 1.97 mg.
Step 2
ii. What mass of sodium fluoride, in kilogram, must be added to a 750 ML reservoir (1 ML = 10$^{6}$ L) to produce a concentration of fluoride ions of 0.90 mg L$^{-1}$?
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Answer
To determine the mass of sodium fluoride required in a 750 ML reservoir:
First, convert 750 ML to liters:
750 ML = 0.750 L.
The concentration of fluoride ions required is 0.90 mg L−1, therefore the total mass of fluoride ions needed in 0.750 L is:
extmassofF=0.90extmg/Limes0.750extL=0.675extmg
Now, calculate the corresponding mass of NaF needed: