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Year 10 - Science

Titrations: analytical technique

Making salts

Unit Summary

This unit explores empirical formulae, balanced chemical and ionic equations, gas identification, acid reactions, and pH as a measure of hydrogen ion concentration. It covers separation techniques and focuses on planning experiments, accurate measurements, safety, and communicating findings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to accurately measure the volume of an acid of an unknown concentration that neutralises an alkali of a known concentration.

Key Notes

  • In a titration, a trial investigation helps estimate the amount of acid needed to neutralise the alkali.
  • Near the end point, add the acid drop by drop whilst swirling the solution in the conical flask to mix.
  • Placing a white tile under the conical flask enhances the visibility of the colour change and accuracy of readings.
  • Volume readings should be taken at eye level from the bottom of the meniscus.
  • Concordant titres are typically within ±0.10 cm³.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • titrant: the solution of known concentration added from the burette in titration
  • analyte: the solution of unknown concentration in the conical flask in titration
  • concentration: the amount of a solute dissolved in a certain volume of solvent
  • concordant: readings within a certain range; for titrations, these usually need to be within ±0.10 cm³ of each other
  • titre: the volume of titrant needed to reach the end point in a titration

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often believe that any small colour change signals the end point, leading to inaccurate titrations.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

In a titration, a trial investigation helps estimate the amount of acid needed to neutralise the alkali. Near the end point, add the acid drop by drop whilst swirling the solution in the conical flask to mix.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'titrant'

the solution of known concentration added from the burette in titration. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils often believe that any small colour change signals the end point, leading to inaccurate titrations. Correction: Emphasise the importance of adding the titrant drop by drop near the end point and ensure pupils understand that the end point is reached only when the colour change is persistent.

More Lessons In This Unit

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