Experiment Number 16

Determination of pH

Alethea Carr
CH101-02 Chemical Principles Laboratory
November 19, 2018
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I. Title:

Experiment #16, Determination of pH

II. Objectives:

The goal of this experiment is to determine the pH of several liquids and solutions and learn to
calibrate a pH meter to make proper pH measurements. In addition, this experiment will also
provide learning experience with buffer solutions and its uses.

III. Theory:

Acidity and basicity can be tested by many different methods of experimentation. This
experiment uses three common methods to test the pH of various solutions and determine
whether the solutions are acidic or basic. pH is a figure used to express a solution on a
logarithmic scale on which 7 represents a neutral solution. The pH scale of solutions ranges from
1 to 14, 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most basic. Solutions with a pH of 7 are
considered to be neutral. The simplest and least concise technique used to test pH is pH indicator
paper. These small strips of paper are coated with pH-sensitive dyes that change colors to
indicate the pH of the solution the strip is saturated with. Another colorful technique used to
measure pH is the universal indicator which when added to a small amount of solution changes
color to indicate pH. This technique is more accurate than the pH strips because it measures to
0.1 significant figures while pH strips measure only to a whole number. Indicators such as the
ones used for pH paper and the universal indicator are usually weak acids that change color when
neutralized by a base. These indicators can change to various colors depending on pH range. The
most accurate technique to measure pH is using an instrument called a pH meter. A pH meter
converts the concentration of H+ ions in the solution into an electric signal. The information
from this signal is converted into a Logger Pro software where the pH is digitally displayed,
measured to 0.01 significant figures. A buffer, which is an aqueous solution of a weak acid and
conjugate base or a weak base and conjugate acid must be used to calibrate the pH meter.
Colorful solutions can sometimes interfere with the color change of the pH paper or in the
universal indicator. The color of the solution does not affect the pH meter, making the electrode
a better test for pH. When the pH meter is stored away, the electrode needs to be submerged in
an electrolyte solution in the upright position to ensure the longevity of the electrode life. Proper
care and maintenance while storing the electrode portion of the instrument is crucial to the
functioning and accuracy of the pH readings.

IV. Procedure:

First, A paper towel was obtained and 12 labeled strips of the pH indicator paper were placed on
the paper towel leaving a about 2 inches of free space between each strip. Next, samples of the
solutions and individually chosen samples were collected to be tested. A drop of each solution
and personal sample were carefully added to a separate pH indicator paper. The color of the
indicator paper was compared to the color code provided with the indicator strips. The pH was
tested for a second time using universal indicator solution. A drop of the indicator solution was
placed in 12 test tubes. 0.5 mL of each solution was measured then added to the solution to be
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tested. Each test tube was held against white paper and compared to the color chart associated
with the universal indicator solution. The pH was tested for a final time with a pH meter using
Logger Pro Software. The USB end of the meter was plugged into the computer and the pH
meter probe was attached to a ring-stand. The meter was calibrated by submerging a pink buffer
solution with a known acidic pH of 4 and a blue buffer with a known basic pH of 10 to
standardize the experiment. The meter was rinsed in distilled water and dried with a Kim Wipe
between each buffer. The pH meter was submerged in each solution until the pH reached a
plateau on the graph, rinsing with distilled water and drying with a Kim Wipe between each
solution.

V. Data:

Table 1. pH Readings
Solutions or pH Meter Reading
Substance Indicator Paper Universal Indicator
Tap Water 7 7.5 7.63
Distilled Water 7 8.0 8.38
0.01M HCl 2 5.5 2.38
0.01M acetic acid 4 4.0 3.30
Household Vinegar 2 4.0 2.42
0.01M NaOH 9 9.5 11.70
0.01M Ammonia 8 9.0 9.91
Household Ammonia 9 9.5 10.91
Soap Solution 8 8.0 9.73
Saliva 6 6.0 6.95
Coffee 4 4.0 4.84
Powerade 1 1.0 2.45

VI. Discussion:

Each method used in the experiment to measure pH was expected to give a similar reading but
certain instruments and techniques used in the experiment gave more precise and accurate
readings than others. Since the same 12 solutions were used throughout the entirety of the
experiment, the pH recorded should remain constant. Several of the solutions seemed to have
some variance in pH from one technique to another. Buffer solutions were used to calibrate the
pH meter. The electrode needed to be exposed to an acidic and basic buffer solution before any
other solutions were tested to standardize the pH readings. Human error could have factored into
incorrect readings if the concentrations of the buffer were not stabilized before calibrating the
meter. The pH meter was rinsed with distilled water and dried with a Kim Wipe between each
solution. Possible human error in experimentation may have resulted from improper cleansing of
the remaining solution between tests. The only thing I may change about this lab is the length of
time we had to complete it. I would have liked to spend more time using the new instruments
because the display on our computers made the lab fun. I enjoyed working directly with Logger
Pro software on our computers as it made me feel like an amateur chemist. The samples I
brought in to test were both beverages that I drink on an everyday basis and I was very surprised
to find that they were both on the acidic side of the pH scale. Given more time, I would’ve liked
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to bring in more products that I use in my everyday routine to see the effects these products have
to my body without my conscious awareness. Both hydrochloric acid and acetic acid were
measured to a 0.01M concentration but they did not have the same pH. The reasoning for this is
because hydrochloric acid is a strong acid meaning the H3O+ in HCl is strong while acetic acid is
a weak acid so the acidity was not as strong. Ultimately, this relationship of H3O+ concentration
and acid makes the pH of hydrochloric acid lower than the pH of acetic acid despite having the
same molarity. The concentration of the bases of sodium hydroxide and ammonia were both
0.01M but they did not have the same pH. The pH of sodium hydroxide was higher than
ammonia because sodium hydroxide because it has a lesser concentration of H3O+ giving is a
more basic pH.