Curricular Competency Explanation

A titration is a technique used to determine the unknown concentration of a substance. This is done by reacting a titrant and analyte in which the analyte is the substance with an unknown concentration. In this lab, a titration was used to determine the molarity of the acid in a neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. NaOH whose molarity is 0.100M was added to an Erlenmeyer flask filled with HCl whose molarity was unknown. Drops of NaOH were added and because of the indicator phenolphthalein added to HCl, the solution turned pink which indicated the base and acid reacting. The endpoint of a titration is shown through the colour change of the indicator and it is when the moles of acid is equal to the moles of the base. The colour of the indicator will show the point where the titrant and analyte (NaOH and HCl) have completely reacted together. The end of the titration for this lab can be indicated when the colour of the solution remains the lightest shade of pink for 30 seconds. The results for this lab were done in four trials where trial 2 and trial 4’s data were used to come up with an average volume of NaOH which was 14.35ml. Converted into moles gives 0.00144mol which can be used to calculate the moles of HCl which is 0.00144mol. With this given data, the concentration of HCl is 0.144M.

Core Competency Explanation

In this lab, I demonstrated the communication core competency. I specifically demonstrated the collaborating sub-category where I was able to work collectively with my lab partner. We both collaborated in putting our best effort towards executing and completing the lab. We split up responsibilities to where I was in charge of the set-up of the buret and base while my partner was in charge of the set-up of the acid and pipette. I can also be conscientious about contributing as any time I was finished with my responsibilities, I always asked if there was anything else I could do such as clean-up or assistance. I can also negotiate respectfully and clearly with my partner. An example of this is when we had to do a fourth trial as the data for our third trial didn’t match up with our first and rough trial. We discussed several errors that could have occurred and discussed different actions we should do for the fourth trial to ensure success. Finally, I demonstrated cooperation and interdependence. My partner and I agree on cleaning up our lab space together as well as trusting that we are both doing our responsibilities to the best of our abilities.