In a solution, 4 parts solvent to 1 part solute are present. What percent of the solution is solute?

Prepare for the Virginia HESI Level 4 Test with an array of study materials including flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and detailed explanations to assist in your exam preparation. Get set to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

In a solution, 4 parts solvent to 1 part solute are present. What percent of the solution is solute?

Explanation:
Understanding percent by parts means you take the amount of solute and divide it by the total amount of solution, then convert to a percentage. Here, there are 4 parts solvent and 1 part solute, so the total is 5 parts. The solute makes up 1 part out of 5, which is 1/5 = 0.2, and 0.2 × 100% = 20%. So the solute is 20% of the solution. The other options would correspond to different ratios (for example, 80% would require the solute to be 4 of 5 parts, 5% would come from 1 of 20 parts, and 25% from 1 of 4 parts), which don’t match the given 4 to 1 ratio.

Understanding percent by parts means you take the amount of solute and divide it by the total amount of solution, then convert to a percentage. Here, there are 4 parts solvent and 1 part solute, so the total is 5 parts. The solute makes up 1 part out of 5, which is 1/5 = 0.2, and 0.2 × 100% = 20%. So the solute is 20% of the solution. The other options would correspond to different ratios (for example, 80% would require the solute to be 4 of 5 parts, 5% would come from 1 of 20 parts, and 25% from 1 of 4 parts), which don’t match the given 4 to 1 ratio.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy