How do I calculate ppm?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the method to calculate parts per million (ppm), which is a way to express very dilute concentrations of substances. The calculation typically involves the ratio of a substance to the total amount of the solution, multiplied by one million.
Answer
\frac{\text{Mass or Volume of Solute}}{\text{Total Mass or Volume of Solution}} \times 10^6
Answer for screen readers
To calculate ppm, you divide the mass or volume of the solute by the total mass or volume of the solution, then multiply by $10^6$
Steps to Solve
- Determine the mass or volume of the solute
The solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solution. Determine the mass (in grams) or volume (in liters) of the solute in the solution.
- Determine the mass or volume of the solution
Determine the total mass (in grams) or volume (in liters) of the entire solution, which includes both the solute and the solvent.
- Calculate the ratio of solute to solution
Divide the mass or volume of the solute by the total mass or volume of the solution.
$$ ext{Ratio} = rac{ ext{Mass or Volume of Solute}}{ ext{Total Mass or Volume of Solution}} $$
- Convert to ppm
Multiply the ratio by $10^6$ to convert it to parts per million.
$$ ext{ppm} = ext{Ratio} imes 10^6 $$
To calculate ppm, you divide the mass or volume of the solute by the total mass or volume of the solution, then multiply by $10^6$
More Information
Parts per million (ppm) is often used for measuring the concentration of pollutants in the environment. For example, ppm is commonly used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the mass or volume of the solute and the solution. Ensure you are dividing the solute by the total solution quantity. Also, check your scale units; they must be consistent.
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