equivalent weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equivalent weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry, to refer to the mass of a substance that can combine with or displace a fixed amount of another substance. Example: "To calculate the equivalent weight of the acid, we need to know its molar mass and the number of protons it can donate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Based on IC50, D. giganteus is 30-fold poorer in antioxidant activity than an equivalent weight of L-ascorbic acid.

BioMed Research International

See also equivalent weight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The equivalent weight of a substance may vary with the type of reaction it undergoes.

Britannica

These extruded, hollow rails can be far stiffer than solid bars of equivalent weight.

MIT Technology Review

Christina Edwards has lost the equivalent weight of her best friend and her best friend's two children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The equivalent weight of an element is its gram atomic weight divided by its valence (combining power).

Britannica

The copolymer has the potential for high conductivity based on its relatively low equivalent weight.

Electrochimica Acta

The nucleophilic addition was monitored by epoxy equivalent weight titration and NMR analysis.

Polymer

(Vellus Aureum means "Golden Fleece" in Latin; the prize-winning wool grower receives its fleece's equivalent weight in gold).

The New York Times

The food services staff then illustrated that quantity by stacking the equivalent weight in boxes of rice in the entrance of the dining hall.

The New York Times

That film lacked a co-star of equivalent weight to Washington, whose last actioner, Safe House, began its run in February 2012 with £2.14m.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing chemical reactions, ensure that you specify the reaction type to provide context for the "equivalent weight", as it can vary depending on the reaction.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "equivalent weight" of a substance is constant across all reactions; it changes based on the specific chemical process involved. Always clarify the reaction context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equivalent weight" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific quantity in chemistry. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to define the mass of a substance that combines with or displaces a fixed amount of another substance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equivalent weight" is a noun phrase widely used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry, to quantify the reactive capacity of a substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar rules and is frequently encountered in scientific literature, news reports, and encyclopedic entries. The "equivalent weight" is calculated based on the substance's molecular weight and valence, making it essential for stoichiometric calculations. When writing about "equivalent weight", it's important to specify the reaction type, as the value can vary. Common alternatives include "combining weight" and "equivalent mass". While the phrase is primarily formal and scientific, its understanding is valuable across various disciplines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

combining weight

Focuses specifically on the weight involved in chemical combinations.

gram equivalent

Emphasizes the measurement in grams, useful in chemistry contexts.

equivalent mass

Uses "mass" instead of "weight", which may be more precise in scientific contexts.

molar equivalent

Highlights the molarity aspect, useful when focusing on molar concentrations.

reactive weight

Emphasizes the weight of a substance that actively participates in a reaction.

chemical equivalent

A broader term that emphasizes the chemical equivalence in reactions.

stoichiometric weight

Highlights the stoichiometric relationship in chemical reactions.

formula weight

Focuses on the weight calculated from the chemical formula of a substance.

equivalent quantity

Shifts the focus from weight to the general amount that provides an equivalent effect.

combining capacity

Emphasizes the capacity of a substance to combine with other substances, rather than its weight.

FAQs

How is the "equivalent weight" of a substance calculated?

The "equivalent weight" is calculated by dividing the molecular weight of the substance by its valence (combining power) in a specific reaction. This value represents the mass that will combine with or displace a fixed amount of another substance.

In what contexts is the term "equivalent weight" commonly used?

The term "equivalent weight" is frequently used in chemistry, particularly in contexts involving titrations, redox reactions, and acid-base neutralizations. It helps in determining the amounts of reactants needed for complete reactions.

What's the difference between "equivalent weight" and molecular weight?

"Equivalent weight" considers the valence of a substance in a specific reaction, while molecular weight is simply the mass of one mole of the substance. The "equivalent weight" can change depending on the reaction, whereas molecular weight remains constant.

What are some alternative terms for "equivalent weight"?

Some alternative terms for "equivalent weight" include "combining weight", gram equivalent, and "equivalent mass". The choice of term often depends on the specific context and the aspect being emphasized.