CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY 1

(BKC1752)
Title of Experiment : Gravimetric Analysis Solution
Date of Experiment : 16th October 2023
Instructor’s Name : Dr. Siti Hatijah binti Mortan
Group No. :
Section : 02

List of Students:
Name ID
1. Nur Elyana binti Abd. Rahman KA23079
2. May Pretty Markury KA23071
3. Jong Tze Wei KA23073
4. Belinda Cheu Jin Huang KA23085
5. Nur Syazreen binti Sabri KA23074
Marks:

1. Abstract 6. Results
2. Methodology flowchart 7. Discussion
3. Data Tabulation 8. Conclusions
4. Graph 9. References
5. Calculations 10. Grammar and Spelling
TOTAL

Tear here

Subject Code: BKC1752

Please keep for student reference.

Title of Experiment: Gravimetric Analysis Solution Date Submitted :

Submitted by; Received by;

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ABSTRACT
The title of the experiment is gravimetric analysis solution. Gravimetric analysis is an
accurate macro quantitative analysis technique that we use to estimate the amount of analyte
by using the mass of solid. In this experiment, the major purpose is to understand the concept
of gravimetric analysis. This procedure is preferentially transforming the analyte into its
insoluble state. Then, the precipitate that has separated is carefully weighed after being burned
or dried to take on a different form. Besides that, the required form of the analyte’s weight can
be calculated using the precipitate’s weight and as well as our knowledge in its chemical
composition.
The experiment must be conducted by adding the concentrated nitric acid to the diluted
sample of sodium chloride and calculate the gram of silver nitrate powder are required to
produce 150mL of 0.1M silver nitrate solution using the molecular weight of silver nitrate. The
calculated grams of silver nitrate were 2.55g. The sample solution of sodium chloride is then
heated while being constantly stirred. Following that, the precipitate was set to rest until it
cooled down before the precipitate was filtered and washed using the wash solution to transfer.
Lastly, the precipitate was left in the oven overnight and then the precipitate obtained was
weighed.
The end result of the experiment was 0.3865g silver chloride precipitate. Thus, we can
conclude that the diluted sodium chloride solution reacted with silver nitrate solution to form
silver chloride (white precipitate). In addition, based on their chemical equation and
composition, 1 mol of sodium chloride reacted with 1 mol of silver nitrate to form that white
precipitate.
Following the entire experiment, we have noticed that we can improve the accuracy of
the experiment by washing the precipitate appropriately with concentrated nitric acid as the
wash solution and filter the precipitate properly to avoid leaving the precipitate in the beaker.

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METHODOLOGY

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Descriptions Mass(g)
Mass of the sample solid sodium chloride 0.2035
Mass of silver nitrate powder needed to make 2.5539
150ml of 0.1M silver nitrate solution
Mass of filter paper 0.5689
Mass of filter paper with precipitate which is 0.9554
silver chloride (AgCl)
Mass of silver chloride (AgCl) 0.3865

(A) Calculation of the mass of silver nitrate powder needed to make 150ml of 0.1 M silver
nitrate solution
The molar mass of AgNO3 = Molar mass of Ag + Molar mass of N + 3(Molar mass of O)
= 107.9 g/mol + 14.01g/mol + 3(15.99) g/mol
= 169.9 g/mol

Number of moles =

Number of moles of silver nitrate (AgNO3) =

= 0.015 mol
Mass of compound = Number of moles of compound × Molecular weight of compound
Mass of AgNO3 = Number of moles of AgNO3 × Molecular weight of AgNO3
= 0.015mol ×169.9 g/mol
=2.55g
(B) Calculation of percentage of chloride ion in the precipitate (AgCl)
The equation is, Ag+ (aq) + Cl- (aq) → AgCl (s)
• The mass of the sample (NaCl) is 0.2035g.
• The mass of AgCl is 0.3865g

To calculate the percent of chloride in a sample

The molar mass of AgCl is 143.32 g/mol.
The number of moles of AgCl is calculated as,

Moles of AgCl =

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 = 0.002697 mol
= 2.697×10-3 mol
Based on the equation, 1 mole of chloride produce 1 mole of silver chloride (AgCl).
So, 2.697 ×10-3 moles of chloride produce 2.697 × 10-3 moles of silver chloride (AgCl).

As we know, 1 mole of chloride has 35.453g

2.697× 10-3 moles of chloride will have 2.697 ×10-3 moles × 35.453g of chloride
Moles of chloride will be 0.0956g of Cl-.

The mass percent of chloride is calculated as,

Mass percent =

= 24.73%

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DISCUSSION
Based on the result of the experiment, the percentage of the chloride ion that present in
the precipitate silver chloride is 24.73%. By this way, we also can calculate the percentage of
the silver ion that present in the precipitate silver chloride is 75.27 %. So, a small conclusion
can be made which is the composition of the precipitate silver chloride is 75.27% of silver ion
and 24.73% of chloride ion.
The indicated composition of the precipitate silver chloride (AgCl) is 75.2% of silver ion
(Ag+) and 24.8% of chloride ion (Cl-). This can be calculated by this way:
Relative atomic mass of Ag: 107.9 g
Relative atomic mass of Cl: 35.5 g
Molecular Mass of AgCl: 107.9 g + 35.5 g = 143.4 g

= 0.752

= 0.248

Take the results and multiply by 100 to change to a percent:

Percentage of silver ion: 0.752 × 100% = 75.2%
Percentage of chloride ion: 0.248 × 100% = 24.8%
So, we can observe that the percentage of the actual composition of the precipitate silver
chloride is a little bit less than the indicated composition of the precipitate silver chloride. The
different between the indicated composition of the precipitate silver chloride and the actual
result of the composition of the precipitate silver chloride may due to the experimental errors
during the experiment.
First thing first, one of the experimental errors is the incomplete precipitation. As we know,
during the gravimetric experiment, precipitate will be formed. So, if the precipitate is not
complete precipitation, it will result in a value for the percentage of analyte in the sample that
is too low.
Besides that, another experimental error is about the contamination. If the sample or
reagents are contaminated, it can lead to erroneous results. This means that the data can’t be
considered valid.
Moreover, loss of precipitate can also be one of the experimental errors. This is due to the
fact that, when the precipitate is lost during the filtration or transfer, it will affecting the final
mass measurement.
Another interesting point is that, evaporation also will cause the experimental error in this
experiment. Evaporation is the process of turning from liquid into vapor. During evaporation,
it will cause the loss in the mass due to the escape of molecules from the liquid into the vapor
phase.

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 In order to prevent the potential of experimental errors, several methods can be used. For
the first experimental error which is the incomplete precipitation, a proper mixing is required
as it can ensure the mixing of the sample and reagent is completed. Besides, stirring is also
important to prevent the incomplete precipitation as the stirring can promote even distribution
of reagents and particles.
For the second experimental error, one of the methods to prevent it is by cleaning the
apparatus and materials. Thoroughly clean all the apparatus and materials that used in the
experiment. We can also avoid the present of the dust and particles during the experiment. Work
in a clean and controlled environment to minimize the exposure to dust and airborne particles.
Besides that, the using of the filter paper will also cause the contamination. So, regularly change
the filter paper is the method to prevent contamination during the experiment. The regularly
change of the filter paper can prevent the buildup of contamination.
To prevent the loss of precipitate during the experiment, one of the methods is dry the
precipitate carefully. We should use a controlled and gentle drying process to avoid disturbing
the precipitate. We also need to ensure the temperature and the duration are suitable and
appropriate. Another method is slowly filtering the precipitate during the filtration, this is
because faster filter will cause the spread or dispersion of precipitate.
Lastly the method to prevent the evaporation during the experiment is by cover the sample.
We should keep the precipitate under a suitable cover when it is not being manipulated or
weighing. The cover will provide a good shield for the sample. Besides, we also need to work
quickly to minimize the time where the sample is exposed to the open air.

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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
In conclusion, the gravimetric analysis is a method in which the constituent sought is
converted into a substance of known composition that can be separated from the sample and
weighed. Gravimetric analysis is particularly valuable for the quantitative analysis of solid
compounds, and it is often employed to determine the composition of complex mixtures. We
conclude that, the amount of silver chloride can be determined by mass by using gravimetric
analysis. Besides, the mass of silver chloride is (0.3865g). The percentage of the chlorine ion
in the silver chloride is (24.73%) and the percentage of the silver ion in silver chloride is
(75.27%)
In order to get precise and dependable results, a gravimetric analysis experiment
demands meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on precision because even small
mistakes can have a big impact on the results of a gravimetric analysis and it is important to
keep to accurate laboratory regulations and safety precautions. For recommendation, there are
things that we need to take as precautions for example, the filter paper must be folded into
quarter to ensure that it fits into the filter tunnel perfectly so that the filtration is carried out
efficiently and without any loss of precipitate. Besides that, the precipitate should be added
slowly with a constant stirring. Others than that, we need to ensure that the precipitate is fully
dried before weighing. To ensure that the precipitate created is large and easily filterable, the
precipitate must be heated and cooled several times. Not to mention, we encounter some
problems during the experiment where some of the precipitate get through the filter funnel so
there is some precipitate left in the beaker. Hence, we are required to avoid overfilled the filter
funnel and also avoid spilling. Lastly, any measuring tools, including pipettes and burettes,
should be calibrated to ensure precise volume measurements.

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REFERENCES
1. Aakanksha Gaur. Gravimetric Analysis. 26 October 2022 from
https://www.britannica.com/science/gravimetric-analysis

2. Gadakhsanket. What are the general precautions involved in gravimetric analysis? 16

May 2018 from https://brainly.in/question/3682089

3. Britannica T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2021, April 28). Gravimetric Analysis.

Encyclopedia Britannica Retrieved November 18, 2021 from
https://www.britannica.com/science/gravimetric-analysis

4. Harold F. GilesJr., ... Eldridge M. MountIII, in Extrusion, 2005. A thermal gravimetric

analyzer is an instrument consisting of a microbalance and a furnace. From:
Separation Science and Technology, 2001 from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/gravimetric-analysis

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APPENDIX

Figure 1： Weight the mass of silver nitrate

Figure 2: The precipitate that been filtered out

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Figure 3: Put the precipitate in the oven

Figure 4: Precipitate after drying

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