Equimolecular is a scientific term used to describe a mixture of substances with the same number of molecules. The word is spelled with six syllables: /iːkwɪməˈlɛkjʊlər/. The first syllable starts with the long "e" sound, followed by the "kw" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, then the "m" and "ə" sounds, and another short "e" sound. The third syllable starts with the "l" sound, followed by a long "ɛ" sound, then the "k" and "j" sounds. The last three syllables are pronounced with the "jʊ" sound, followed by the "l" sound and then the "ər" sound.
The term "equimolecular" refers to a state or condition where the quantities of different substances or components present in a chemical reaction or mixture are in equal or equivalent molecular proportions. In other words, it means that the ratio of the number of molecules of each component is the same.
When two or more substances react chemically, it is ideal to have equimolecular amounts of each species involved, as this ensures that they will react fully and completely. Equimolecular ratios are especially important in stoichiometry, as they allow for accurate measurement and calculation of reactants and products.
In a balanced chemical equation, equimolecular relationships are often represented by whole numbers or integer coefficients. This provides a clear understanding of the relative quantities of reactants and products involved in the reaction.
Equimolecular mixtures also play a crucial role in various scientific fields, such as biology and biochemistry, where precise and controlled experiments are conducted. In such cases, equimolecular solutions or concentrations are prepared by carefully measuring and combining specific amounts of reactants.
Overall, "equimolecular" denotes a state of molecular equality in a chemical mixture or reaction, where the amounts of different species are in perfect balance with one another. This concept promotes accurate stoichiometric calculations and enables scientists to study and manipulate chemicals with precision and reliability.
Containing an equal number of molecules, referring for example to two or more solutions.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "equimolecular" is derived from two Latin components: "equi-" and "molecular".
"Equi-" is a prefix meaning "equal" or "equally". It is derived from the Latin word "aequus", which also means "equal".
"Molecular" is an adjective that relates to molecules or the smallest unit of a substance. It comes from the Latin word "molecula", meaning "a small mass".
Combining these two components, "equimolecular" refers to something that is composed of equal or equivalent molecules.