Firefighter Practice Exam

When mixing two solutions, what effect does adding a concentrated solution have on the total volume?

1. It dilutes the solution.

2. It increases the overall volume.

3. It does not affect the overall properties.

4. It decreases the overall density.

The correct answer is: It increases the overall volume.

Adding a concentrated solution to another solution results in an increase in the overall volume. This is because the concentrated solution contributes its own volume to the existing solution. When two liquids are mixed, the total volume is the sum of the individual volumes of both solutions, assuming there is no significant volume contraction or interaction between the two that would reduce the total volume. For instance, if you mix 100 mL of a concentrated solution with 200 mL of a dilute solution, the resultant mixture will have a total volume of 300 mL, barring any interactions that might change that. This aspect is fundamental in chemistry and practical applications, as it directly affects calculations for concentrations, dilutions, and various reactions.