Lab: Characterization of Materials-2

Lab Report 02: Melting point of Citric Acid

Submitted To: Dr. Syed Mujtaba ul HassanSubmitted
By: Group #1

Muhammad Danyal Shahid (22)

Fahad uddin (07)

Muhammad Ahtisham Aziz (21)

Muhammad Kaleem Qureshi (27)

Abdul Ahad Naeem (01)

Date: 22/02/2023

Abstract Format Discussion Results

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Batch: 2021-2025
Abstract:

The melting point of citric acid was determined using an SMP10 machine. The experiment yielded a
melting point range of 153-156°C, which is within the expected range of 153-159°C for pure citric acid.
The accuracy of the results was validated by comparing them to values reported in the literature, which
were found to be consistent with the results obtained in the experiment. Sources of error that could have
affected the accuracy of the results were identified and discussed.
Introduction:
Melting point:
The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid due to enough heat. For a given
substance, its solid form’s melting point is the same as its liquid form’s freezing point and depends on
factors such as the substance purity and surrounding pressure.

Increases the melting point:

A compound’s melting point is determined by the force of attraction between molecules and symmetry.
Higher melting points result from stronger intermolecular interactions. Ionic compounds usually have high
melting points because the ion-ion interaction of the electrostatic forces is much stronger.

Are melting and freezing point the same:

To sum up, as matter transforms from solid to liquid (melting) or liquid to solid
(freezing), its temperature is set at the same temperature as the melting/freezing point.
Melting point determination is important for any element because the melting point is a
physical property that provides valuable information about the element's behavior and characteristics. It
can be used for identification, purity determination, characterization, and research and development of it.

SMP10:
The SMP10 is a machine used for
automated melting point determination. It is
commonly used in laboratories to determine the
melting point of organic compounds, including citric
acid. Here are some reasons why the SMP10 machine
is commonly used for melting point determination of
citric acid:

• High accuracy
• Consistency
• Automated operation
• High throughput
• User-friendly interface SMP-10

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Top of Form
Components Of
SMP:
• Sample Tube Holder
• Eye Viewer
• Temperature display
• Control Panel
• Instruction Fascia
• IEC Connector

Chemical:
1. Citric Acid (C₆H₈O₇)

Apparatus
• Spatula
• China Dish
• Capillary Tube
• SMP

Procedure:
• Prepare sample by placing a small amount in the end of a glass capillary tube.
• Decide on a suitable plateau temperature. This should be approximately 10°C below the expected
melting point of the sample.
• Check that all 3 function lights are extinguished.
• Press and hold the plateau set button (the plateau light will flash). The display will now show the
current plateau temperature.
• The desired plateau temperature may now be set using the arrow keys to scroll the display up or
down as required.
• Insert the tube into the side of the heating block via the holes provided. For convenience this can
be done from either side of the block. Look down the magnifier and position the tube so that the
sample can be observed clearly.
• Press the start or stat/stop key. The unit will quickly heat up to the plateau temperature.
• Once the plateau temperature has been reached the plateau light will be illuminated.
• Press the start button again. The block will begin to heat at the pre-set ramp rate (SMP20) or at the
fixed 2°C per minute on the SMP10 (the plateau light will go out and the ramping and heating
lights will both be illuminated.
SMP-10

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• Observe the sample until the melt occurs and record the temperature from the digital d isplay.
• After the melt has occurred press the stop or start/ stop button. All function lights will go out and
the unit will cool to ambient temperature.
• Pressing the start button again will cause the unit to return to the plateau temperature instead of
ambient. The heating light will come on even if the temperature is above the plateau and the unit is,
in fact, cooling

Errors:
1. There are several sources of errors that can occur when measuring the melting point of citric acid
in an SMP10 machine. Here are some common errors that can affect the results:

2. Sample impurities: If the citric acid sample contains impurities, this can affect the melting point
and result in inaccurate readings.
3. Uneven heating: If the heating block does not heat the sample evenly, the melting point can be
inaccurate.
4. Ambient temperature changes: Temperature fluctuations in the laboratory can affect the heating
block and sample temperature, leading to inaccurate results.
5. Incorrect sample preparation: If the sample is not loaded correctly in the capillary tube, this can
affect the melting point and result in errors.

6. Calibration errors: If the SMP10 machine is not properly calibrated or calibrated using an
incorrect reference standard, this can affect the accuracy of the melting point measurement.
7. Human errors: Errors in observation or recording of the melting point range, and misinterpretation
of the visual cues, can also affect the results.

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 Discussion:

The experiment was successful in measuring the melting point of citric acid using the
SMP10 machine. The results obtained were within the expected range for pure citric acid, and were
consistent with values reported in the literature. Any sources of error that could have affected the accuracy
of the results were identified and discussed, and the experiment was deemed to have been conducted under
appropriate conditions. Overall, the experiment provided valuable insights into the melting point properties
of citric acid and the efficacy of the SMP10 machine for this type of analyst.

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1. References:

[1] Science Direct, “Rockwell Hardness”, [Online]. Available at:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/rockwell-hardness

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