What does "mass percent" represent in a solution?

Mass percent is a measure of the concentration of a solute in a solution, expressed as the mass of the solute divided by the mass of the entire solution, and then multiplied by 100 to convert it into a percentage. This quantifies how much of the total mass of the solution is made up of the solute, providing a clear understanding of the relative proportions of solute and solvent.

To further elaborate, when calculating mass percent, you sum the mass of the solute (the substance being dissolved) and the mass of the solvent (the substance doing the dissolving) to find the total mass of the solution. By dividing the mass of the solute by this total mass and then multiplying by 100, you obtain a percentage that makes it easier to compare concentrations of different solutions, independent of their volumes.

The other options refer to different ways of expressing concentration, but they do not align with the specific definition of mass percent. For example, one option involves volume, which pertains to a different form of concentration measurement, while others involve moles, which relate to the amount of substance but not to mass specifically. Mass percent is distinct in that it solely relies on mass rather than volume or mole quantity.