(a) How many grams of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) are needed to prepare \(500.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of a \(0.300 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\) solution? (b) Describe how you would make this solution, including the equipment needed.

First, we will calculate the moles of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) needed using the given molarity and volume of solution: Moles of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) = Molarity × Volume in Liters Moles of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) = \(0.300 \mathrm{M} \times 0.500\mathrm{L}\) Now, we will change the volume from milliliters to liters: \(500.0 \mathrm{~mL} = \frac{500.0}{1000} \mathrm{L} = 0.500 \mathrm{L}\) So, Moles of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) = \(0.300 \mathrm{M} \times 0.500\mathrm{L} = 0.150 \mathrm{moles}\) To calculate the mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) needed, we will find the molar mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\): Molar mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH} = 22.99 \mathrm{g/mol (Na)} + 15.999 \mathrm{g/mol (O)} + 1.00784 \mathrm{g/mol (H)} = 39.99684 \mathrm{g/mol}\) Now, we can find the mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) needed using the moles and molar mass: Mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH} = \text{Moles of} \; \mathrm{NaOH} \times \text{ Molar mass of} \; \mathrm{NaOH}\) Mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH} = 0.150 \mathrm{moles} \times 39.99684 \mathrm{g/mol} = 5.9995\mathrm{g}\) Thus, 5.9995 grams of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) are needed to prepare \(500.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of a \(0.300 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\) solution.

To prepare the solution, follow these steps: 1. Safety precautions: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat to protect yourself from the corrosive nature of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\). 2. Equipment needed: A digital balance, a clean glass beaker, a magnetic stirrer and a stir bar, a graduated cylinder, a wash bottle with distilled water, and a chemical spatula. 3. Measure the mass of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\): Using the digital balance and a clean glass beaker, measure 5.9995g of solid \(\mathrm{NaOH}\). 4. Dissolve the \(\mathrm{NaOH}\): - Pour a small amount of distilled water (around 250 mL) into the beaker containing the \(\mathrm{NaOH}\). - Add a stir bar to the beaker and carefully place the beaker on the magnetic stirrer. - Turn on the magnetic stirrer and slowly add more distilled water until the solid \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) is completely dissolved and the total volume of the solution is close to 500.0 mL. 5. Adjust the volume: Using the graduated cylinder, measure and add distilled water to the beaker to bring the final volume of the solution up to exactly 500.0 mL. 6. Mix the solution: Allow the magnetic stirrer to mix the solution for a couple of minutes to ensure it is homogeneous. You have now successfully prepared 500.0 mL of a 0.300 M \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) solution.