March 28, 2024, 05:07:47 AM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


Topic: What is a chemical equivalent?  (Read 20944 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline leena

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 50
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-1
What is a chemical equivalent?
« on: June 17, 2009, 07:51:52 AM »
According to Faraday's 2nd law(I think),when the same current passes through a series of electrolytic solutions,the mass ratio is equal to the ratio of their chemical equivalents(hope I'm right?)
I googled for the definition of chemical equivalent or E,
E = atomic mass unit(amu)/valency,was the given definition.  Now I learnt in school,that E=Relative molecular mass(RMM) /valency.
This may seem like a very basic question but,it's very vital I understand,
 how is the amu = RMM???
I know that amu = 1/12th the mass of an atom of C -12 isotope ,so how is this equal to the RMM.?
and my other question based on E is ,
Is the chemical equivalent of an atom say H = chemical equivalent of a molecule,say H2?
Please help.

Offline Borek

  • Mr. pH
  • Administrator
  • Deity Member
  • *
  • Posts: 27637
  • Mole Snacks: +1799/-410
  • Gender: Male
  • I am known to be occasionally wrong.
    • Chembuddy
Re: What is a chemical equivalent?
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2009, 08:04:53 AM »
E = atomic mass unit(amu)/valency,was the given definition.

You must have read it wrong, are you sure it was not mass EXPRESSED in amu divided by valency and taken in grams?
ChemBuddy chemical calculators - stoichiometry, pH, concentration, buffer preparation, titrations.info

Offline leena

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 50
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-1
Re: What is a chemical equivalent?
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2009, 05:23:49 AM »
Thanks.
Yes ,I may have read it wrong,though I can't seem to find the link that I referred,I found a new one,
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/equivalent+weight
http://www.physchem.co.za/OB12-che/electrolysis.htm#faraday

It says that E= (atomic weight or the formula weight)/valence?

Quote
Is the chemical equivalent of an atom say H = chemical equivalent of a molecule,say H2?

So would the E for H2 be = 2/2? and E for H atom will also be= 1/1?
Thank you

Sponsored Links