62

Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

TITRATION OF AN ACID; USING A pH METER

Introduction
The pH meter is an instrument that measures the pH of a solution and affords a
direct method of obtaining a titration curve.

A titration curve is a graph of

measured pH values versus the volume (milliliters) of titrant added. The figure
below is an example of a titration curve, illustrating the numerous data points and
the best smooth curve drawn through the points.

Figure 1. Titration Curve of acid HA

The equivalence point is the point at which an equal amount of acid has been added
to the amount of base present or vice versa. The equivalence point occurs on the
titration curve in the region where there is a relatively large change in pH with a
relatively small change in volume. The steeper the curve in the region of the
equivalence point the more precisely it may be established. Once a titration curve is
constructed and the equivalence point established the experimenter could then
choose an indicator that would give a suitable endpoint (point at which the indicator
changes colour).

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Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

Selection of the equivalence point

In this experiment you will graph the measured pH against the volume of standard
NaOH solution added. The best smooth curve should be drawn through these points.
The equivalence point can be established using the steepest tangent to the smooth
curve where the pH changes rapidly. The equivalence point is the mid point between
the two lines intersecting the volume axis.
The method is summarized below:
Equivalence Point Determination
11
10
9
pH

8
7
6
5
4
3
23.5

24

24.5

25

Volume NaOH (mL)

25.5

26

Figure 2: Equivalence Point Determination for acid HA

The equivalence point selected using this method is a more accurate method than
using an indicator in the titration.
A second method maybe used to determine the equivalence point. To use this
method a graph is constructed of
method.

!pH
vsVaverage . The graph below illustrates this
!V

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Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

Equivalence Point Determination

50

dpH/dV

40
30
20
10
0
24

24.5

25

25.5

V average

26

26.5

27

Figure 3: Equivalence Point Determination for acid HA using the First

Derivative Method
The volume at the point where the graph reaches the maxima is the equivalence
point of the titration.
A disadvantage of the titration curve method is the time and effort required to make
the measurements and to construct the graph. This disadvantage can be overcome
by using a recording pH meter, which provides a chart record of the pH of a solution
as a function of time.
The pH of a solution is related to the H+ ion concentration by the equation:
(1)

pH = log[H+]

The ionization constant, Ka, for a generic acid HA is:

(2)

HA

H+ + A

Ka =

[H+][A]
[HA]

and the pKaof an acid is simply:

(3)

pKa = log Ka

If we take equation (2)

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Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

(2)

Ka =

[H+][A]
[HA]

and now take log of both sides:

[A]
log Ka = log[H+] log
[HA]
from equation (3):

[A]
pKa= -log[H+] log
[HA]

and therefore from (1):

[A]
pKa = pH log
[HA]

But since pKais constant and pH varies:

[A]
pH = pKa + log
[HA]

Therefore when [A] = [HA]

pH = pKa
This is the midway point to the equivalence point. Therefore pKa values can
also be directly read from your titration curves.

Procedure
In preparation for this procedure, read Appendix B for directions on the proper use of
a balance and how to weigh by difference, and Appendix C for directions on the
proper use of a buret in a titration. Before lab have a draft of the procedures for
the preparation and the standardization of ~300mL of ~1M NaOH solution ready
for your instructor to look over.
Obtain from your instructor an unknown acid sample.
instructions on the pH meter before you start.

You will also be given

Hint: A similar procedure was used in the Chemistry 1000 laboratory.

SAFETY NOTE: Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and can cause burns if
it is left on the skin for too long. If your hands feel slippery or soapy at any
point during the lab, wash them well to remove the sodium hydroxide.

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Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

Weigh accurately 2.00 - 2.25 g (+

0.0001 g) of your sample into a 250
mL beaker. Dissolve the sample in
50 mL of water. Prepare your buret
for titration (clean, rinse, etc.) and
fill the buret with standardized ~1
M NaOH solution. Obtain a pH
probe from your instructor and set up
your apparatus as shown. Check
with your instructor before starting
to be sure everything is set up
correctly.
Proceed to add standardized ~1 M base at the rate of 1 mL per addition taking the
buret reading and also the pH reading after each addition. Once the pH starts to
change more rapidly the size of the additions should be reduced to 0.5 mL or less.
As the pH changes become larger (this may occur at a pH of about 4 to 5) reduce the
size of the NaOH additions until single drops are being added. Continue until you
are satisfied the equivalence point has been passed or the pH is approximately 11 to
11.5. When you are finished, remove your apparatus, rinse the pH electrode and
return the pH probe to your instructor.
Note that your unknown acid will have more than one equivalence point if it is
polyprotic.
Report
1.
2.

3.
4.

Construct a titration curve graph of pH values versus mL of 1M NaOH solution

added.
!pH
Construct a graph of
vsVaverage . Using this graph determine the
!V
equivalence point for the titration. Illustrate on the titration curve the pKa(s)
of your unknown acid.
Calculate and report the Ka value(s) and the molar mass of your unknown
sample.
Give a balanced, generic reaction equation for your unknown acid.

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Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

DATA SHEET:
Partner Credit:

Name: _______________________
Y

(Circle if yes)

Unknown # or letter:

Instructor's signature:

Partner's Name: ________________

_______________

_______________________

Lab Section: _______________

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Experiment #5. Titration of an Acid; Using a pH Meter

Experimental Procedure (draft only): Please prepare before the start of class.

Instructor's signature:

_______________________