Titration is a technique used in labs to determine the molarity of substances. In this lab, we used it to find the molarity of HCl, by balancing it with NaOH. The goal was to find the point when there is an equal amount of acid and base. In order to find this point, we put in Phenolpthalein, which visualizes it and makes the solution turn a very pale pink at this point. However, if the point is not reached or overshot, the solution will instead be clear or vibrant hot pink.
During this lab, I was able to demonstrate communication skills with my two partners for the lab. We shared what we understood about the procedure we pre-read; to make sure that we did not miss anything in order to follow the correct procedures. In the first lab, we poured carefully and started to use half drops of the base; we did this because this was part of the procedures. If we had not done this, disaster would happen; one drop can turn a solution from light to dark magenta and we had seen this happen before. After we finished the lab, we communicated to put away the materials by asking questions when we didn’t know where something went and making sure that everything was returned to their designated spot.
This shows our group’s collaborative skills and communication skills, being able to work together in order to successfully complete the lab.
Here is a photo of the first experiment, where we put one drop in and the solution changed to dark pink:
