Answer: 0.05 M
Explanation:
To solve this question, one must consider the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law states that in a closed system, the total mass of the participating molecules remains unchanged during a chemical reaction. This implies that the mass in the reactants equates to the mass of the products formed.
In this case, a solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) with a molarity of 0.204 (defined as moles per liter of solution) is used, and 16.4 mL of this solution is added to 50 mL of H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) solution.
Since the mass of both solutions is conserved, we can apply the Law of Conservation of Mass equation:
Initial Concentration x Initial Volume = Final Concentration x Final Volume.
Initial Concentration: 0.204 M
Initial Volume: 16.4 mL
Final Concentration:?
Final Volume: 50 mL + 16.4 mL = 66.4 mL
Plugging in the values to the equation:
0.204 M x 16.4 mL = Final Concentration x 66.4 mL
The molarity of the H3PO4 solution calculates to be 0.05 M.