School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

College of Science

Assignment Coversheet

A coversheet must be completed for all chemistry assignments.

Fill out the * parts on this page.

*Name: Andrew Black

*Student ID Number: 64191521

*Usual Chemistry Lab Day and Time: Wednesday 9am

Assignment Title/Description: Experiment 6 Acids and Bases

Course Laboratory coordinator: Dr. Anthea Lees

Course Code: CHEM 111

Course Name: Chemistry Level 1 laboratory class

*Today’s date: 28/05/20

Statement:
The material contained in this assignment is my own work and is free of dishonest or improper
practice, including plagiarism.

*Student Signature: Andrew Black

2020 Chemistry
 2

CHEM 111: Laboratory Report Sheet

Experiment 6: Acids and Bases

In order to complete this on-line laboratory assignment you will need to:

 Carefully watch the Experiment 6 laboratory video which is on the CHEM 111
LEARN website.
 Download and read the PowerPoint Experiment 6 file which explains the concepts of
the experiment

Part A of this assignment consists of questions which are based on the Experiment 6 video.

This assignment contain experimental data and you are expected to perform the calculations
and draw all the graphs for each of the sections.

You must draw graphs by hand and you need to take a photo of them and save the image
into the correct page on this assignment sheet. You will need 2 graphs.

I cannot accept separate graph files sorry. There are 530 students and files will get lost.

If you are having issues please contact me anthea.lees@canterbury.ac.nz

 3

Marking Schedule
Student name and ID:

Video questions / 4 marks

Part 1a Titration of a Strong Acid HCl with a Strong Base NaOH

Graph 1. /5 marks

Question a /1 mark

Question b / 4 marks

Question c /4 marks

Question d /2 marks

Part 1b Titration of a Weak Acid CH3COOH with a Strong Base NaOH

Graph 2. /5 marks

Question a /1 mark

Question b / 4 marks

Question c /4 marks

Question d /2 marks

Part 2 Buffer solutions /4 marks

Total /40
 4

Part A. Questions based on the video for Experiment 6

(View on Laboratory material section of CHEM111 LEARN page)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvKU9TYnPeY&feature=youtu.be

Please watch the Acids and bases video and answer the following questions:

A1. This experiment would allow us to determine the nature of titration curves for a strong
acid and a strong base and a weak acid and a strong base. Give the names of the strong
acid, strong base and weak acid we will use in these titrations.

The strong acid used is Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the weak acid used is ethanoic acid
(CH3COOH). The strong base used is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).

A2. What do we mean by the equivalence point of a titration and how would you identify
the equivalence point on a titration curve?

The equivalence point of a titration is where there is there is enough acid and base present
to completely neutralise each other. This point is the most vertical part of the titration
curve.

A3. What do we mean by the end point of a titration?

The endpoint is the point when the indicator changes colour. It is an approximation of the
equivalence point.

Looking at this table of acid-base indicators and reading your laboratory manual:

A4. Which indicator is used for the strong acid strong base titration, what is the colour
change expected and over what pH range does the colour change occur?

Phenolphthalein is used and changes from colourless to pink at a pH range of 8-10.

A5. Which indicator is used for the weak acid strong base titration, what is the colour
change expected and over what pH range does the colour change occur?

Bromescol green is used and changes from yellow to blue at a pH range of 3.8-5.4.
 5

Part 1 Titration of a Strong Acid HCl with a Strong Base NaOH

In this experiment a student used a pipette to transfer 25 mL of HCl into a clean 100 mL
beaker. A few drops of phenolphthalein indicator (pKa 9.6) were added together with 25
mL of distilled water. NaOH was used to fill the burette. The student performed a
potentiometric titration and used a pH metre to measure the pH of the addition of NaOH
to the HCl with stirring.

NaOH concentration is
0.0995 mol L-1

Glass pH
electrode pH meter

HCl &
phenolphthalein
indicator

Volume of NaOH added, resulting pH values and any colour changes of the indicator
were all recorded in Table 1.
 6

TABLE 1 : Data from NaOH and HCl potentiometric titration

Volume of NaOH pH Colour

added (mL)
0 1.87 colourless
1 1.89 colourless
2 1.91 colourless
3 1.96 colourless
4 2.00 colourless
5 2.03 colourless
6 2.15 colourless
7 2.25 colourless
7.5 2.32 colourless
8 2.39 colourless
8.2 2.46 colourless
8.4 2.5 colourless
8.6 2.57 colourless
8.8 2.63 colourless
9 2.73 colourless
9.2 2.79 colourless
9.4 2.89 colourless
9.6 3.19 colourless
9.8 3.44 colourless
10 3.88 colourless
10.2 9.8 Pink
10.6 10.79 Pink
11 11.02 Pink
11.2 11.15 Pink
11.4 11.24 Pink
11.6 11.32 Pink
12 11.42 Pink
13 11.58 Pink
14 11.62 Pink

Use the data above to plot a titration curve on graph on next page. Ensure you label equivalence pH and
equivalence volume on graph and point at which indicator changed colour.
Use graph paper below to plot the titration data. The vertical axis of your graph should be pH ( scale 1.0-14.0) and the horizontal axis the volume of
titre (scale 0-14 mL). Graph needs a title, labelled axes and you need to label the equivalence pH, equivalence volume and pH at which indicator
changed colour.
Calculations for Titration of a Strong Acid HCl with a Strong Base NaOH

Looking at the graph you have just drawn write down the following values:

What is the pH when the phenolphthalein indicator changes colour pH = 9.8

(it changes from colourless to the first permanent tinges of pink)

What is the Endpoint volume Vend: Vend = 10.2 mL

(The endpoint is the point at which the indicator changes colour.)
(“volume” refers to volume of added NaOH.)

What is the Equivalence point volume Vequiv: Vequiv = 10.1 mL

(The equivalence point will be the point at which the pH changes most rapidly as titre is
added. Measure half way up your vertical section of your graph)

What is the equivalence pH for this strong acid strong base titration?
pH at equivalence point = 7

Concentration of NaOH solution [NaOH] = 0.0995 mol L-1

Use Concentration = moles

Volume in L

a. Write the ionic equation (including states) for the acid-base reaction that occurs
in this titration.

HCl(aq) + OH-(aq)  H2O(l) + Cl-(aq)

 9

Knowing the concentration of NaOH, which we write as [NaOH], we will use the molar
ratio
of the acid base equation to calculate the concentration of the original HCl solution [HCl].

We will do two calculations to calculate the concentration of the HCl solution [HCl].
The first calculation we will use the endpoint volume Vend to calculate [HCl].
The second calculation we will use the equivalence point volume Vequiv to calculate
[HCl].
If the indicator we used was suitable for that titration then our [HCl] for each calculation
will agree. If the indicator is not suitable then the [HCl] for the Vend calculation will not
agree
with that of the Vequiv calculation.

b. Using the endpoint volume Vend to calculate [HCl].

Here we are assuming that the point where the indicator changes colour – i.e. the endpoint
occurs at the equivalence point of this titration, Vend may be used to calculate the molarity
(i.e., the concentration) of the HCl solution.

Vend = 10.2 mL
[NaOH] = 0.0995 mol L-1

Calculate [HCl]. Show your full calculations.

n(NaOH) = 0.0995 mol L-1 × 0.0102 L = 1.0149×10-3 mol (3.sf)

n(NaOH) = n(HCl)
c(HCl) = 1.0149×10-3 mol ÷ 0.0250 L = 0.040596 mol L-1
 10

[HCl] using Vend = 0.0406 mol L-1 (3.s.f)

c. Using the equivalence point volume Vequiv to calculate [HCl].

Here we are calculating the actual concentration of the provided HCl solution using the
true equivalence volume Vequiv as determined from the pH potentiometric titration (which
we have read from the graph).

Vequiv = 10.1 mL
[NaOH] = 0.0995 mol L-1

Calculate [HCl]. Show your full calculations.

n(NaOH) = 0.0995 mol L-1 × 0.0101 L = 1.00495×10-3 mol (3.sf)

n(NaOH) = n(HCl)
c(HCl) = 1.00495×10-3 mol ÷ 0.0250 L = 0.040198mol L-1

[HCl] using Vequiv = 0.0402 mol L-1 (3.s.f)

d. Explain how your answers to (b) and (c) confirm that phenolphthalein is a suitable
indicator for this titration.

The [HCl] for (b) and (c) are in accordance with each other. This indicates that
phenolphthalein is an appropriate indicator. The endpoint volume is supposed to be an
approximation of the equivalence point and in this reaction, they are very close to each
other (0.1mL). The indicator will change colour when the pH changes rapidly.
 11

Part 2 Titration of a Weak Acid CH3COOH with a Strong Base NaOH

In this experiment a student used a pipette to transfer 25 mL of CH 3COOH into a clean
100 mL beaker. A few drops of bromocresol green indicator (pKa 4.8) were added
together with 25 mL of distilled water. NaOH was used to fill the burette. The student
performed a potentiometric titration and used a pH metre to measure the pH of the
addition of NaOH to the HCl with stirring.

NaOH concentration is
0.0995 mol L-1

Glass pH
electrode pH meter

CH3COOH &
bromocresol green
indicator

Volume of NaOH added, resulting pH values and any colour changes of the indicator
were all recorded in Table 1.
12
 13

TABLE 2 : Data from NaOH and CH3COOH titration

Volume added pH Colour

0 3.11 Pale yellow
1 3.63 Pale yellow
2 3.86 Pale yellow
3 4.21 Pale yellow
3.5 4.34 Blue green
4 4.42 Blue green
4.5 4.52 Blue green
5 4.61 Blue
5.5 4.73 Blue
6 4.82 Blue
7 5.07 Blue
8 5.38 Blue
8.5 5.67 Blue
9 6.07 Blue
9.2 6.48 Blue
9.4 7.98 Blue
9.6 9.80 Blue
9.8 10.37 Blue
10 10.86 Blue
10.5 11.05 Blue
11 11.22 Blue
11.5 11.35 Blue
12 11.49 Blue
13 11.63 Blue
14 11.65 Blue

Use the data above to plot a titration curve on graph on next page. Ensure you label equivalence pH and
equivalence volume on graph and point at which indicator changed colour.
 14

Use graph paper below to plot the titration data. The vertical axis of your graph should be pH ( scale 1.0-14.0) and the horizontal axis the volume of titre
(scale 0-14 mL). Graph needs a title, labelled axes and you need to label the equivalence pH, equivalence volume and pH at which indicator changed colour
 15

Part 2 Titration of a Weak Acid CH3COOH with a Strong Base NaOH

Looking at the graph you have just drawn write down the following values:

What is the pH range when the bromocresol green indicator changes colour
pH = 4.34-4.52
(it changes from yellow to the first permanent tinges of blue)

What is the Endpoint volume Vend: Vend = 4.40 mL

This is hard to precisely see as there is such a broad range so choose a volume from your
graph. (The endpoint is the point at which the indicator changes colour.)

What is the Equivalence point volume Vequiv: Vequiv = 9.45 mL

(The equivalence point will be the point at which the pH changes most rapidly as titre is
added. Measure half way up your vertical section of your graph)

What is the equivalence pH for this weak acid strong base titration?
pH at equivalence point = 8.4

Concentration of NaOH solution [NaOH] = 0.0995 mol L-1

Use Concentration = moles

Volume in L

a. Write the ionic equation (including states) for the acid-base reaction that
occurs in this titration.

CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

 16

Knowing the [NaOH] we will use the molar ratio of the acid base equation to calculate the
concentration of the original CH3COOH solution.

We will do two calculations to calculate the concentration of CH 3COOH solution

[CH3COOH].
The first calculation we will use the endpoint volume Vend to calculate [CH3COOH].
The second calculation we will use the equivalence point volume Vequiv to calculate
[CH3COOH].
If the indicator we used was suitable for that titration then our [CH3COOH] for each
calculation will agree. If the indicator is not suitable then the [CH 3COOH] for the Vend
calculation will not agree with that of the Vequiv calculation.

b. Using the endpoint volume Vend to calculate [CH3COOH].

Here we are assuming that the point where the indicator changes colour – i.e. the
endpoint occurs at the equivalence point of this titration (this may not be the case).
Choose an end point volume to use. (V end not obvious for this so just choose a
volume)

Vend = 4.4 mL
[NaOH] = 0.0995 mol L-1

Calculate [CH3COOH]. Show your full calculations and include units

n(NaOH) = 0.0995 mol L-1 × 0.00440 L = 4.378×10-4 mol

n(NaOH) = n(CH3COOH)
c(CH3COOH) = 4.378×10-4 mol ÷ 0.025 L = 0.017512 mol L-1

[CH3COOH] using Vend = 0.0175 mol L-1 (3.s.f)

 17

c. Using the equivalence point volume Vequiv to calculate [CH3COOH].

Here we are calculating the actual concentration of the provided CH 3COOH solution using
the true equivalence volume Vequiv as determined from the pH potentiometric titration
(which we have read from the graph).

Vequiv = 9.45 mL
[NaOH] = 0.0995 mol L-1

Calculate the concentration of CH3COOH. Show your full calculations.

n(NaOH) = 0.0995 mol L-1 × 0.00945L = 9.40275×10-4 mol

n(NaOH) = n(CH3COOH)
c(CH3COOH) = 9.40275×10-4 mol ÷ 0.025 L = 0.037611 mol L-1

[CH3COOH] using Vequiv = 0.0376 mol L-1 (3.s.f)

 18

d. Explain how your answers to (b) and (c) confirm that bromocresol green is not
a suitable indicator for this titration. Give reasons and compare the values you
obtained for Vend and Vequiv and then compare the calculated concentrations of
CH3COOH you obtained for each.

The [CH3COOH] for (b) and (c) are not in accordance (there is a difference of 0.201
mol L-1) which indicates that bromocresol green is not a suitable indicator for this
titration. The endpoint volume is supposed to be an approximation of the
equivalence point of the reaction. The endpoint volume in this reaction is 4.4 mL
which is not close to the equivalence volume which is 9.45 mL. This further
reinforces that bromocresol green is an inadequate indicator for this titration.

e. Would phenolphthalein have been a better indicator to use in this titration?

Why?

Phenolphthalein would have been a better indicator because its pH range of colour
change is 8-10. The equivalence point in the titration was approximately 8.4 which is
inside of the Phenolphthalein pH range. Bromocresol green in comparison has a pH
range of 3.8-5.4 which the equivalence point (8.4) is not inside. Phenolphthalein has a
pKa of 9.6 which is close to the pH of the equivalence point. The pKa of bromocresol
green (4.8) is not as close to the pH of the equivalence point.
 19

Part 3: Testing Buffer Solutions

A student performed an experiment to demonstrate the buffer action (or lack of it) for
some selected chemical systems.
Small aliquots of solutions of a strong acid or strong base were added to the chemical
systems and any resulting changes (or no change) in pH values were recorded.
The student measured the pH of the following:
a. 40 mL distilled water then the pH after addition of 1 mL of 0.2 molL-1 HCl.
b. 40 mL of 0.1 molL-1 ammonium chloride/0.1 molL-1 ammonia solution, then pH
after addition of 1 mL of 0.2 mol L-1 NaOH.
c. 100 mL of sea water (contains [HCO3–] = 0.004 molL-1, [CO32–] = 0.006 molL-1),
then the pH after addition of 1 mL of 0.2 mol L-1 NaOH.
d. 40 mL of 1 × 10-3 molL-1 HCl, then the pH after addition of 1 mL of 0.2 molL -1
NaOH.
e. 40 mL of 0.1 molL-1 ammonium chloride/0.1 molL-1 ammonia solution, then pH
after addition of 1 mL of 0.2 molL-1 HCl.
The pH readings the student obtained are listed in blue in the Table below.

Solution tested for buffer pH reading Acid or base added pH reading

properties
after addition of acid
or base

40 mL of distilled water 7 + 1 mL 0.2 mol L-1 HCl 2

40 mL of NH4Cl/NH3 solution 9 + 1 mL 0.2 mol L-1 NaOH 9

100 mL of sea water

[HCO3–] = 0.004 mol L-1, 8 + 1 mL 0.2 mol L-1 NaOH 8

[CO32–] = 0.006 mol L-1

40 mL of 110-3 mol L-1 HCl: 3 + 1 mL 0.2 mol L-1 NaOH 11.6

40 mL of NH4Cl/NH3 solution 9 + 1 mL 0.2 mol L-1 HCl 9

 20

a. What is the definition of a buffer system?

A buffer system is a solution that resists change in pH. It contains a weak acid and its
conjugate base.

b. Give 2 examples of living systems which rely on buffers for their proper
functioning.

Blood plasma

Human milk

c. Identify which of solutions 2a–2e are buffers and give a brief explanation why you
think they are acting as buffers.

b) The solution contains a weak acid (NH 4+) and its conjugate base (NH3). The
solution resists change in pH when an acid or base is added which is why the pH does
not change.

c) The solution contains a weak acid (HCO 3-) and its conjugate base (CO32-). The
solution resists change in pH when an acid or base is added which is why the pH does
not change.

e) The solution contains a weak acid (NH4+) and its conjugate base (NH3). The
solution resists change in pH when an acid or base is added which is why the pH does
not change.