ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

1. Methyl orange indicator has an approximate pH range of 3.1-4.4 in which it has a

color of orange. It gives off a red color for acidic solutions and yellow for basic
solutions. The addition of methyl orange to solution 1, which contained 30 mL 0.10M
acetic acid gave it a pink color, while its addition to solution 2 which contained 15
mL 0.20 M acetic acid and 15 mL 0.20M sodium acetate gave it a yellow-orange color.
The color observed in solution 1 indicates that it has a pH within 3.1-4.4, while the
color observed in solution 2 indicates that it has a pH greater than 4.5.
2. Phenolphthalein indicator, an indicator which has an approximate pH of 8.3-10.0,
has a color of white. It gives off a pink color when added to an acidic solution and
faint pink in basic solution. Upon its addition to solution 3, which contained 30 mL
0.10 M ammonia, the solution became purple. This indicates that it has a pH
ranging from 10.0 above. On the other hand, the addition of the indicator to solution
4 gave it a light pink color, which indicates that it has pH between 8.3 and 10.0.

3. According to the data gathered, HCl gives a higher pH value when added to
solutions 1 and 3 than that of NaOH. It is because it is acidic, and has a higher
concentration of hydrogen ion in it, giving it a higher pH than NaOH. However,
solutions 2 and 4 are buffers. They resist an appreciable change in pH upon the
addition of amounts of strong acids or strong bases.
4. Visual indicators are not very accurate in determining pH. People have different
perceptions on colors, and I think it would account for errors when one is trying to
approximate the pH of a solution. Calculations are more accurate in a way that they
give the expected or theoretical values that should be obtained. The pH meter is also
accurate, however, the instrument might account for errors in measurement, like
improper calibration or the way the bulb was dipped in the solution.
5. There are several possible sources of errors in the experiment. First is the
preparation of solutions. There might be uncertainties in the measurement of the
solutes or solvent, affecting the concentration of the entire solution. Another is the
determination of pH. As discussed in the previous number, no method is 100%
accurate.

Works Cited
Analytical Chemistry Academic Group. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Manual.
Quezon City, 2011.
Petrucci, R. et al. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Application. Toronto:
Pearson Canada Inc., 2011.
Skoog, Douglas A., West, Donald M., Holler, E. James, Crouch, Stanley R.
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry. Pasig CIty: Cengage Learning Asia ,
2013.