Communication Skills

During the Titration lab, effective communication was key to successfully conducting the experiment. Given the need for accurate observation of the solution, we engaged in frequent discussions, sharing our observations and coordinating the addition of NaOH drops throughout the process. Through collaborative dialogue, we conducted multiple trials, refining our approach by exchanging ideas on how to achieve greater accuracy and effectiveness. By actively listening and articulating our thoughts clearly, we seamlessly executed the titration lab.

Critical thinking skills

In addition, our critical and reflective thinking abilities played a significant role in achieving our desired outcome in a comprehensive manner. As we encountered challenges and encountered unexpected observations, we engaged in critical thinking to analyze the unforeseen outcome. Throughout multiple trials, we engaged in reflective thinking by drawing upon our past laboratory results, utilizing them to enhance the accuracy of our procedures and ultimately obtain the best possible result. We diligently evaluated the data, identified sources of error, and made efforts to prevent the recurrence of such mistakes in future endeavors .

  

Curricular Competency Explanation: 

  

Cover the following points in one paragraph. This will take the place of a conclusion for your lab write-up. 

• What is a titration? 

A titration is a laboratory technique used to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution by reacting it with a known concentration of another substance (titrant). The reaction is usually a chemical reaction that involves a measurable change, such as a color change or the formation of a precipitate.

• What was a titration used for in this lab? 

In this particular lab, the titration was used to determine the concentration of an acid or a base in a solution. The titrant, which is a solution of known concentration, was slowly added to the solution being analyzed until the reaction between the acid and base was complete. By measuring the volume of the titrant required to reach the endpoint, the concentration of the unknown acid or base could be calculated.

• What is the endpoint (or the equivalence point) of a titration? 

The endpoint of a titration is the stage where the stoichiometrically equivalent quantities of the reactants, in this case, NaOH and HCl, have been combined. It signifies the completion of the reaction. At the endpoint, the NaOH and HCl have reacted in the precise stoichiometric ratio required for the reaction to reach its conclusion.

• How do you know that you have reached the endpoint of the titration? 

If phenolphthalein is specifically used as the indicator in a titration, the color change at the endpoint would be from colorless to pink. Phenolphthalein is initially colorless in acidic solutions, but as the titration progresses and the solution becomes more basic, it undergoes a distinct transition and turns pink, indicating the endpoint of the titration.

• What is a systematic error of this lab? 

Two systematic errors can occur in titration experiments when using phenolphthalein as an indicator. The first error involves the pH of phenolphthalein, which is ideally expected to be 7, but can sometimes measure at 8.2. This discrepancy can result from impurities in the indicator solution or inaccuracies in pH meter calibration. The deviation in pH can lead to inaccuracies in determining the endpoint of the titration and calculating concentrations. The second error occurs when the color change observed during the titration is excessively pink. This can make it difficult to accurately identify the endpoint, potentially leading to errors in volume measurements and concentration calculations. Minimizing these systematic errors requires precise calibration of the pH meter, high-quality indicator solutions, careful observation of color changes, and conducting multiple trials to ensure consistent and accurate results in titration experiments.