Question 1: Define a formulation in the context of chemistry and explain its purpose.

Answer: A formulation is a specific mixture of substances designed to produce a product with desired properties, often used in medicines, cleaning products, and alloys.

Question 2: List three key components that are typically included in a formulation.

Answer: Active ingredient, excipients (fillers or stabilisers), and stabilisers or preservatives.

Question 3: Why is it important to precisely measure components in a formulation?

Answer: To ensure the product performs as intended, maintains safety standards, and has consistent quality.

Question 4: Explain how the purity of individual components affects the overall quality of a formulation.

Answer: Higher purity components lead to a more consistent and effective formulation, reducing the risk of impurities causing side effects or reducing performance. Impurities can alter the intended properties and stability of the final product.

Question 5: Calculate the concentration (in % w/w) of a component in a formulation containing 25 g of an active ingredient dissolved in 100 g of total formulation.

Answer: 25%

Question 6: If a formulation contains 150 g of a compound dissolved in 600 g of solution, what is its percentage concentration?

Answer: 25%

Question 7: Choose the correct statement: A) Formulations are always pure substances. B) Formulations are mixtures designed for specific purposes. C) Formulations do not contain active ingredients. D) Formulations are only used in pharmaceuticals.

Answer: B) Formulations are mixtures designed for specific purposes.

Question 8: Fill in the blank: The main reason for including stabilisers in a formulation is to prevent __________________ over time.

Answer: degradation

Question 9: Describe an experiment to test the stability of a pharmaceutical formulation, including the variables you would control.

Answer: To test stability, store samples of the formulation under controlled conditions (constant temperature, light, and humidity). Over time, analyse samples for changes in appearance, pH, or active ingredient concentration. Variables to control include temperature, humidity, exposure to light, and initial formulation composition.

Question 10: In industry, why is quality control essential in the production of formulations?

Answer: To ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency of the final product, as well as compliance with regulations.

Question 11: Explain how the concept of molar concentration is relevant when preparing formulations for chemical reactions.

Answer: Molar concentration indicates the number of moles of solute per litre of solution. It is crucial for accurately preparing formulations to ensure the correct stoichiometry in chemical reactions, optimise reaction conditions, and maintain consistency across batches.