What does the term "equivalent" typically refer to in chemistry?

Prepare for the ABFT Analyst Certification Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up for success!

The term "equivalent" in chemistry is often used to describe a quantity of a substance that reacts with or supplies one mole of hydrogen ions (H⁺) or, in redox reactions, one mole of electrons. This concept is particularly important when dealing with reactions in which substances participate in stoichiometric relationships.

When you refer to "one mole of charge from a species," this relates to the concept of equivalents in stoichiometry in the context of acids, bases, and redox reactions. For instance, in an acid-base reaction, one equivalent of an acid can donate one mole of protons, while in redox reactions, one equivalent of an oxidizing agent can gain one mole of electrons. Therefore, selecting this choice effectively captures the essence of what an equivalent represents in various chemical contexts.

The other options, while they represent measurable quantities in chemistry, do not specifically align with the definition of equivalent as it is meant in chemical reactions. For example, "one mole of a substance" refers to the amount of that substance but does not provide the context of how it reacts in terms of charging or electron exchange. Similarly, "one mole of solvent" and "one liter of solution" pertain to the measurement of a solvent or

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy