Name: Sarthak Dadkar . Class: S.Y. B tech. Batch: B.

Roll No.: 1032211111 Expt. No. 4

Performed on: . Submitted on: . Teacher’s Sign.: _.

DETERMINATION OF pH OF DIFFERENT SAMPLES

Introduction:
The term “pH” refers to the measurement of hydrogen ion activity in the solution. Since the direct
measurement of the pH is very difficult, specific electrodes are needed for quick and accurate pH
determination. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with lower values indicating high H+ (more
acidic) and higher values indicating low H+ ion activity (less acidic). A pH of 7 is considered as
neutral. Every whole unit in pH represents a ten-fold increase in or decrease in hydrogen ion
concentration. Most natural waters possess the pH values ranging from 5.0 to 8.5. Rain water have
a pH value of 5.4 to 6.0 which then reacts with the soils and minerals causing the reduction in H+
ion concentration and thus the water may become alkaline with a pH 0f 8.0-8.5. More acid water
(pH9) and other immediate changes in the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) suggest that the quality
of the water is adversely affected due to the introduction of some toxic contaminants in water
bodies. pH is measured using pH meter, which comprises a detecting unit consisting of a glass
electrode, reference electrode, usually a calomel electrode connected by KCl Bridge to the pH
sensitive glass electrode and an indicating unit which indicates the pH corresponding to the
electromotive force is then detected. Before measurement, pH meter should be calibrated by using
at least two buffers.

Equipment Required:
1. pH meter
2. pH electrode filled with KCL solution
3. Buffer solutions of pH4 and pH 7
4. Clean beakers
5. Tissue papers
 6. Distilled water
7. Thermometer

Procedure:
1. Plug in the pH meter to power source and let it warm up for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Wash the glass electrode with distilled water and clean slowly with a soft tissue.
3. Note the temperature of water and set the same on the pH meter.
4. Place the electrode in pH 7 buffer solution and set the value of 7 on the pH meter turning
the Calibrate knob on the meter.
5. Take out the electrode, wash with DW and clean.
6. Dip the electrode in the pH 4 buffer solution. Adjust the value on the pH readout meter by
the Slope switch.
7. Repeat with pH 7 and pH4 buffers till a correct and stable reading is displaced.
 8. While moving and cleaning the electrode, put the selector switch on standby mode.
9. Turn to pH mode for recording the pH.
10. Now place the electrode in the water sample whose pH is to be determined.
11. You can take a number of simultaneous readings for different samples until the power is
on.

Calibration & Measurement

It is recommended to calibrate the tester frequently, especially if high accuracy is required. More
frequent calibrations may be required depending on the type of sample being tested.
The tester should be recalibrated:
1. whenever the pH electrode is replaced
2. at least once a month
3. after testing aggressive samples

pH Calibration Procedure:
From measurement mode, press and hold /MODE until “CAL” is displayed. The tester enters
calibration mode and displays “pH 7.01 USE” or “pH 6.86 USE”, if NIST buffer was selected.
Buffer value will be displayed on the first LCD line and “REC” message will be displayed on the
second line. If used buffer was not valid, “USE” message will be displayed for 12 seconds and
replaced by “WRNG” indicating measured sample is not valid.
1. For one-point calibration using pH 4.01, 10.01 or 9.18 buffer solution, once the reading has
stabilized, the tester automatically accepts the calibration point. Accepted buffer point and
“OK 1” message are displayed and then the tester returns to measurement mode.
2. For one-point calibration using pH 7.01 (or 6.86) buffer solution, press /MODE after
calibration point has been accepted. The tester will display “pH 7.01” (or “pH 6.86”) and
“OK 1” and then return to measurement mode.
3. For a two-point calibration using pH 7.01 (or pH 6.86) buffer solution, after the first
calibration point has been accepted, “pH 4.01 USE” will be displayed for 12 seconds (unless
a valid buffer is recognized).
4. If valid buffer solution is recognized (pH 4.01, 10.01 or 9.18), the calibration point is
 accepted and the accepted value and “OK 2” are displayed. The tester then returns to
measurement mode.
5. If no valid buffer solution is recognized, “WRNG” message is displayed. Note: When the
calibration procedure is completed, the “CAL” tag is turned on.

Precautions:
The pH meter can be standardized by measuring the 7-pH buffer solution or any other solution of
standard pH. Sometimes, the manufacturer of the pH meter may suggest other methods of
standardizing, which too have to be followed. The electrodes have to be inserted into the water so
that it does not touch the bottom of the beaker. Bottom contact with damage may cause damage to
the electrodes. Any cause of slow response due to the polarization can be solved by washing the
electrodes thoroughly. Periodic check has to be conducted to check the electrodes. During the
electrode storage, they have to be kept moist. And also follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Observation table:
Sample Solution Measured pH
Solution-1 (Distilled water) 7
Solution-2 (Methyl red solution) 13

Students need to answer write below mentioned question,

1. What are the 3 methods of pH determination?

Ans.: There are several methods for determining pH, but three of the most common methods are:
a) pH Indicator Method: This method involves the use of pH indicators, which are chemical
compounds that change color depending on the pH of the solution. A pH indicator is added
to the solution being tested, and the resulting color is compared to a color chart to
determine the pH.
b) pH Meter Method: This method involves the use of a pH meter, which is an electronic device
that measures the electrical potential difference between a pH electrode and a reference
 electrode. The pH meter gives a numerical value for the pH of the solution.
c) Titration Method: This method involves adding a solution of known pH, called a titrant, to
the solution being tested until the pH reaches a neutral point, known as the endpoint. The
amount of titrant required to reach the endpoint is used to calculate the pH of the solution
being tested.

2. How do you calculate Practically?

Ans.: The most widely used and practical way to measure pH is by titration because it is
inexpensive and easy when the titrant is known.

3. What is the expected pH of the NaCl solution? Explain your answer.

Ans.: The pH of NaCl is solution is expected to be same as regular water. This might seem
counteractive when ions are present in the water but Na+ ions and Cl- ions essentially cancel each
other and make the solution neutral.

4. Do you expect ammonium acetate solution to be acidic, basic or neutral? Explain your
answer.
Ans.: The solution containing Ammonium Acetate will also be neutral as when the solute splits it
forms Ammonium acetate and acetic acid both being weak base and weak acid, hence cancelling
each other.