Experiment: 11

COLOURS IN CHEMISTRY (B)

Quantitative use of Colours

Aim: Determination of concentrations of given solutions.

Introduction:

The colour intensity as measured by a colorimeter, is related to the concentration, and the
thickness of the solution through which the radiation beam is passed (known as Lambert Beers
Law).

Io Light absorbed by the It

Incident light material Light Transmitted light,

absorbed ight

Path length,”1”

The aim of this experiment is to determine the relationship between absorbance (given by log
I0/I) and the concentration of the absorbing species present, keeping the thickness of the
solution constant by using the same sample holder.

Experimental:

Safety Recommendation:
Copper(II) sulphate pentahydtrate: This compound is not dangerous but usual precautions
should be taken.

Ammonia (NH3): This compound is pungent and a non-breathable gas. It is harmful if

swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Prepare 50.0 cm3 standard solution of 0.10 M of copper sulphate. Then from that, prepare five
solutions of varying concentrations of copper sulphate by pipetting 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0 cm3
respectively into 100 cm3 volumetric flasks, followed by addition of 20 cm3 of 0.88 M NH3
solution (using a measuring cylinder) into each. If the solution is not clear add more ammonia
solution. Then make up to the mark with distilled water. Measure the absorbance of each
solution using a colorimeter.

Now you are provided with three solutions [A, B, C] of unknown concentrations of copper
sulphate. You have to find the strength as follows:

Pipette out 5.0 cm3 of the solution of unknown concentration into a 100 cm3 volumetric flask,
add 20 cm3 (measuring cylinder) of 0.88 M NH3 solution and make up to the mark and measure
the absorbance on the colorimeter.
Analysis:

1. Plot a calibration graph, line of best fit (for the 5 solutions) using the absorbance reading
from the colorimeter against the corresponding concentration. “Use the microsoft Excel”
program for plotting.

2. From the calibration graph determine the concentration of copper in the solution of
unknown concentration using the equation of the line.