James Lalla

Lab #5

Title: Standard Solution

Aim: To prepare a standard solution of sodium carbonate of 250cm3 of 0.25 moldm3 Na2CO3(aq)

Apparatus/Materials:

 Electronic balance
 Sodium carbonate
 Spatula
 Beaker
 Distilled water
 Filter funnel
 250cm3 volumetric flask
 Clock glass

Method:

1. The required mass of sodium carbonate was weighed in the clock glass and transferred to a
beaker.
2. Distilled water was added to sodium carbonate to dissolve it and this was transferred to the
volumetric flask
3. The beaker was rinsed at least twice with water and the water was transferred to the volumetric
flask to ensure that there was a minimal loss of solid.
4. The volumetric flask was filled with distilled water up to the 250cm3 mark.
5. The flask was covered and shaken carefully.

Results/Observations:

It was observed that the solid Na2CO3(aq) was white. When distilled water was added the Na2CO3(aq)
dissolved into it and became a colourless solution.
The mass of the Na2CO3(aq) was calculated by:

Mr(Na2CO3) = 2(23)+ (1)12+ (3)16 = 106 g/mol

100cm3= 0.25 mol

250cm3= (0.25/1000) * 25= 0.0625 mol

0.0625 mol * 106 g/mol = 6.625g

Discussion:

A standard solution is a solution with a known concentration. It is formed when a known mass of a
solute is dissolved into a known volume of solvent. When the water was added to the solid Na2CO3 it
became aqueous.

Equation:
H2O(l)
Na2CO3(s) Na2CO3(aq)

Sources of error:

1. There was an incomplete chancellor of the Na2CO3 from the clock glass to the beaker.
2. The electronic balance only has 2 decimal places meaning it is not analytical.

Precautions:

1. The air conditioner was turned off to allow for consistent scale measuring.
2. The dropper was used to ensure the volume of the solution did not exceed the 250cm 3 mark.

Reflection:

Standard solution is used to calibrate the accuracy and precision of chemical monitoring instruments.
This lab taught me how to properly use an electronic scale and how to properly prepare a standard
solution.

Conclusion:

A standard solution of 250cm3 of 0.25 moldm3 Na2CO3(aq) was successfully prepared.