Here’s a explanation of the gravimetric factor:
Meaning
A gravimetric factor is a number used to convert the weight of a compound (the precipitate you weighed) into the weight of the element or ion you are measuring.
It shows the relationship between the mass of the precipitate and the mass of the desired substance.
In simple terms
It tells you how much of the element is present in one gram of the compound that was weighed.
Example
If you determine chloride by weighing silver chloride (AgCl):
- The gravimetric factor shows how much chloride (Cl) is in 1 gram of AgCl.
So,
Gravimetric factor = (Weight of Cl in AgCl) ÷ (Weight of AgCl)
Then you can use it to find:
Weight of Cl = Weight of AgCl × Gravimetric factor
Why it’s useful
- It helps convert results easily from the compound’s mass to the element’s mass.
- It is used in calculations to find the percentage or amount of an element in a sample.
In short:
A gravimetric factor is a conversion number that links the mass of the compound formed to the mass of the element or ion being analyzed.