SIC1002 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

EXPERIMENT 1 : CALIBRATION OF A 25-ML

PIPETTE

NAME: KHADIJAH BAMADHAJ BINTI OMAR

MATRIX NUMBER: U2004818
GROUP: CYCLE 1
SESSION: 2020/2021
LECTURER NAME: DR AZMAN MA’AMOR
LAB REPORT: EXPERIMENT 1
TITLE: CALIBRATION OF A 25 ML PIPETTE

OBJECTIVE:

Determine the accuracy of a 25 mL pipet and the precision of your technique using a 25 mL
volumetric pipet.

INTRODUCTION:
Calibration of glassware is when we measure to calculate the actual volume of the solution provided
or contained by measuring the weight of the water. When we need to do a calibration of any
glassware like a pipette, it is recommended that you use an anti-vibration table or at least ensure
that you perform calibration in a well-monitored, temperature-controlled room in good conditions
(no vibration, no temperature or atmospheric changes, no disturbance such as static electricity).
Under a constant temperature and atmospheric pressure, the density of distilled water is constant.
The volume of water can be determined by weighing dispensed water.

Table 1: Density of water at various temperatures.

Temperature / (°C ) Density of water / ( g.mL-1)

25 1.0000

26 0.99681

27 0.99654

28 0.99626

29 0.99597

30 0.99567

31 0.99537

32 0.99503

33 0.99473

34 0.99440

The calibration of pipette is carried out by gravimetric method which in simpler words mean
a method used in analytical chemistry for the quantitative determination of an analyte which in this
experiment we are using a liquid, based on its mass. The calibration is done by measuring the mass
of water contained in or delivered by the pipette. Then the density of water at a particular
temperature is used to convert mass to volume. Afterwards the volume of water is compared with
the theoretical volume to determine the accuracy and precision of the pipette.
Usually, a pipette is to be calibrated before any volumetric analysis is performed. This is because the
graduation mark on the pipette is typically not made at room temperature, but at 20 ° C. Therefore,
there’s an error in the graduation mark. The formula given for the determination of the weight of
water, W in vacuum is:

W = Wa + 1.06 Wa /1000

To reduce error of a pipette during an experiment, the following steps should be carried out
beforehand

1. A 25-mL pipette is rinsed with 2 or 3 small volumes of distilled water, and then with a
complete volume of distilled water.
2. The tip of the pipette should not be immersed too deep into the water or above the
water level to avoid mishaps during suction of water into the pipette via the pipette filler or
suction bulb.
3. The solution is drawn into the pipette until it reached a level above the graduated mark.
4. The pipette is taken away and its tip is wiped with a piece of dry cloth.
5. The pipette is held upright, and the pressure of the finger is slowly released until the
meniscus level is on the graduated mark. The tip of the pipette is touched gently on the
dry side of the container until the drop at the end is drained off.
6. The contents is drained to another container. The pipette is held upright until the
solution is completely drained. Then the liquid is allowed to flow out while waiting for 15
seconds after the last drop has emerged from the tip.
7. During the delivery, the pipette tip is ensured to always be above the level of the
solution in the receiver.
8. Lastly, the tip of the pipette is touched on the side of the container until the meniscus
level in the pipette tip does not fall any further.
9. Whatever that remains in the tip should not be blown or forced out.

EXPERIMENTAL:

1. The weight of the weighing bottle and its cover is being taken and recorded (the volume
of the weighing bottle exceeds 30 mL)
2. The distilled water from the 25 mL pipette is then transferred into the weighing bottle.
3. The bottle is weighed, and the weighing process is repeated until the two consecutive
readings does not differ more than 0.005 g.
4. The room temperature is recorded.
5. The volume of the pipette is recorded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

 Table 2: Results of Experiment

1 2 3 4

Weight of 33.37 33.80 33.37 33.58

empty 54 42 51 87
bottle (g)

Weight of 58.09 58.41 58.00 58.26

bottle 68 7 85 00
with
water (g)

Weight of 24.72 24.61 24.63 24.67

water (g) 14 28 34 13

Temperat 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

ure ( ˚C)

Average weight of water = 24.6597 g

Density of water at 30.0˚C = 0.99567 g.mL-1

Formula for volume of the pipette is = 𝜌 = 𝑚 /𝑉

𝑉 = 𝑚 /𝜌

Weight of water in vacuum, W = Wa + 1.06 Wa/1000

= 24.6597+ 1.06 (24.6597)/1000
= 24.6597 + 26.1393/1000
= 24.6858 g

Volume of pipette, mL = weight of water (g) / density of water (g.mL-1 )

= 24.6858 / 0.99567
= 24.7932 mL

Expected volume = 25.0000 mL

Volume obtained = 24.7932 mL
Difference = 0.2068 mL

Based on the calculations obtained, the volume of the pipette in the experiment is
different from the expected volume which is 25.0 mL. This may be because of errors such as
random error, when we take the measurements the eye level may not be accurately parallel
to the meniscus of the graduated point. Other than that the recorded measurements might
have also been rounded off inaccurately causing such big difference in the expected and
obtained volume.
SAFETY CAUTIONS :

1. Make sure pipette used is clean.

2. Do not prepare calibration standards in the same area in which the samples are prepared
(this is critical for trace level analysis as the samples contain very low concentrations of the
analyte).
3. Slowly and carefully insert pipette filler into the pipette by closely holding the glass to the
entrance of the filler as well as not shoving the pipette completely far up the filler to avoid
breakage and damages.

CONCLUSION :

The accuracy of a 25 mL pipette ranges from ± 0.01 mL to ± 0.06 mL and the difference in

measurement obtained from this experiment is significantly more than what is acceptable which
brings the conclusion that the pipette is not properly calibrated and is not used accurately

QUESTIONS :

1.Does the pipette empty from full volume to zero or from zero to full volume?

The pipette is empty from full volume to zero

2.Is the pipette designed to be emptied by gravity with the tip in contact with the vessel or to be
expelled by blowing out with pipette filler? Explain.

Volumetric pipette that is used in this experiment was designed to be emptied with the tip in contact
with the vessel because a small portion that remains at the tip should not be blown out because the
pipette has been calibrated to deliver the appropriate amount of solution with some remains at the
tip due to surface tension.

REFERENCES :

1. Lab report calibration of volumetric flask. (2016, Apr 28). Retrieved from
http://studymoose.com/lab-report-calibration-of-volumetric-flask-essay
2. Y.C.Chang (Apr. 14, 2007). Pipette calibration. Retrieved from https://g6pd.qap.tw/Pipette
%20calibration.pdf