Lab Report: Standardization of HCl Solution

Categories: Chemistry

Aim

The aim of this experiment is to determine the concentration of a hydrochloric acid solution.

Introduction

Hydrochloric acid in laboratory grade is not pure enough to be used as a primary standard. Thus, it must be standardized with a primary standard solution after the hydrochloric acid solution is prepared to correctly determine its concentration.

In this activity, an unknown concentration solution of hydrochloric acid is standardized against a known concentration solution of sodium carbonate by using the titration method. A 'standard solution' is one with an accurate and stable concentration.

Here, the solution of sodium carbonate has been used as the standard solution. The reaction of hydrochloric acid and sodium carbonate is represented by the following equation:

2HCl + Na2CO3 → 2NaCl + H2O + CO2

Equipment

  • Beaker (100ml)
  • Volumetric flask (250ml)
  • Conical flask (250ml)
  • Pipette (25ml)
  • Burette
  • Retort Stand
  • Sodium carbonate, Na2CO3
  • Concentrated HCl
  • Methyl orange indicator

Procedure

Part 1: Making a standard solution

  1. Weigh 1.3g of anhydrous solid sodium carbonate accurately using a 100ml beaker.

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    Record the mass.

  2. Transfer the sodium carbonate into a 250ml volumetric flask using a funnel.
  3. Add distilled water into the volumetric flask until it's half full, close the flask with a stopper, and mix the solution by swirling it.
  4. Add more distilled water cautiously until the water reaches the line at the neck of the volumetric flask. Close the flask with a stopper and mix it well.
  5. This standard solution will be used to standardize the hydrochloric acid solution.

Part 2: Standardization of HCl acid solution

  1. Rinse the burette with HCl solution and fill it with HCl solution.

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    Record the initial reading.

  2. Transfer 25ml of sodium carbonate solution (Na2CO3) into three different 250ml conical flasks. Add 2-3 drops of methyl orange indicator to each conical flask.
  3. Titrate the sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) in each flask slowly with the HCl solution in the burette until the indicator changes from yellow to pink. Record the burette reading at the end point of the titration.
  4. Repeat the titration with the other two sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) solutions and record the results.
  5. Average of the titre value = Average titre value of 1 = (23.20 + 23.00 + 23.00) / 3 = 23.06cm3

Results

Burette Reading I II III
Initial reading (cm3) 0.20 0.40 0.50
Final reading (cm3) 23.40 23.40 23.50
Titre value (ml) 23.20 23.00 23.00

Average of 3 titres: 23.06cm3

Data Analysis and Discussions

  1. Concentration of standard solution (Sodium carbonate, Na2CO3) = mass / molar mass
  2. Mass of Na2CO3 = 1.3g

    Molar mass of Na2CO3 = 2(23.0) + 12 + 3(16) = 106

    Concentration of Na2CO3 = 1.3g / 106g/mol = 0.01226 M

    Volume = 0.27 dm3

    C = n/V = 0.012 / 0.27 = 0.044 mol dm-3

  3. 2HCl + Na2CO3 → 2NaCl + H2O + CO2
  4. Concentration of hydrochloric acid, HCl solution:
  5. Number of moles of Na2CO3 = 0.012 moles

    HCl : Na2CO3 = 2 : 1

    (0.012/1) x 2 : 0.012

    0.024 : 0.012

    Therefore, the number of moles of HCl is 0.024.

    Volume = 0.024 x 22.4 = 0.5376 dm3

    Concentration = n/V = 0.024 / 0.5376 = 0.045 mol dm-3

Errors and Sources of Uncertainty

1. Misreading the markings on the burette can lead to errors in reading and the results.

2. Concentration errors, which can affect the accuracy of the measurements, may occur if the solution is prepared incorrectly.

Experimental Design

  1. Add another standard solution, such as a borax solution, for comparison to obtain more accurate results.
  2. Use an additional indicator, like phenolphthalein, for comparison to determine the actual result.
  3. Ensure safe handling of chemicals and solutions to prevent accidents. Always consult with a teacher before using any chemicals or acids. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with corrosive and irritant substances like HCl.

Conclusion

In volumetric analysis, the titration method is essential and can assist in determining an unknown concentration. In this experiment, sodium carbonate served as the unknown concentration, and the concentration of hydrochloric acid was determined to be 0.045 mol dm-3. The use of methyl orange as an indicator was suitable for this experiment as it changes color close to the reaction equivalence point. The results obtained are acceptable and fulfill the experiment's objective.

Updated: Jan 03, 2024
Cite this page

Lab Report: Standardization of HCl Solution. (2024, Jan 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/lab-report-standardization-of-hcl-solution

Lab Report: Standardization of HCl Solution essay
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