What is the first step in preparing a standard solution?

The first step in preparing a standard solution is to accurately weigh the mass of the solid needed. This is crucial because the concentration of the solution depends on the precise amount of solute used. For a standard solution, which is often made from a solid, it is essential to know the exact mass of the substance to achieve the desired molarity.

Once the correct mass is determined, the next steps would typically involve dissolving the solid in a suitable solvent and then making up to a specific volume, but the initial step of weighing the solid lays the foundation for the entire process. Proper weighing ensures that the solution will be accurately prepared and that subsequent experiments or analyses using the solution will yield reliable results.