Titrations

Section 19-4
 Titrations
• Titration is a process used by chemists to
determine the unknown concentration of an
acid or base.

• The acid or base is reacted with a

corresponding base or acid with a known
concentration, called a standard solution.
 Titrations
This is an example of a titration
set-up.

The standard solution is the

base, since the concentration
is known.
 Titrations
The solution in the buret is
called the titrant.

The standard solution is usually

also the titrant.
 Titrations
In a titration, the titrant (in this
case, the base) is added to the
solution in the flask (the acid)
until it is neutralized.
(Remember the drip-drop lab!)

An indicator is added to the

flask so we see a color change
when the reaction is done.
 Titrations
In the case of our drip-drop lab,
we added phenolphthalein,
which turned pink when the
acid was neutralized.

An indicator is added to the

flask so we see a color change
when the reaction is done.
 Titrations

For more precise results, a pH meter can be used to

determine the equivalence point (rather than an
indicator).
 Titrations
In a titration, the volumes of
both the acid and base are
measured carefully, and used
to calculate the concentration
of the unknown.
 Titration Math
The formula used for titrations is:

Ma x Va x #H+ = Mb x Vb x #OH-

Ma and Mb = molarity of the acid and base

Va and Vb = volume of the acid and base
#H+ = number of H’s in the acid formula
#OH- = number of OH’s in the base formula
 Titration Math
Ma x Va x #H+ = Mb x Vb x #OH-

For example, look at #2 on the Titration

Problems worksheet.

2. Calculate the molarity of 1900 mL of Ba(OH)2

solution, which is titrated completely by 261
mL of 0.505 M HNO3.
 Titration Math
Ma x Va x #H+ = Mb x Vb x #OH-
2. Calculate the molarity of 1900 mL of Ba(OH)2
solution, which is titrated completely by 261 mL
of 0.505 M HNO3.

#H = 1
Ma = 0.505M HNO3 #OH = 2
Va = 261 mL HNO3
Now try solving
Mb = unknown #2 on your own!
V = 1900 mL Ba(OH)
 Titration Math
Ma x Va x #H+ = Mb x Vb x #OH-
2. Calculate the molarity of 1900 mL of Ba(OH)2
solution, which is titrated completely by 261 mL
of 0.505 M HNO3.
0.505M x 261 mL x 1 = Mb x 1900 mL x 2

131.805 = Mb x 3800

Mb = 0.03468 = 0.035M Ba(OH)2

 Titration Math
Ma x Va x #H+ = Mb x Vb x #OH-
Then we balance the equation (see the directions).
2HNO3 + Ba(OH)2  2 H2O + Ba(NO3)2
Try to complete
+2 this equation on
-1
your own!
Ba NO3

Ba(NO3)2
 Titrations
• Homework for tonight is to complete the
Titration Problems worksheet for tomorrow.
• Worksheet 19.3 and 19.4 is due Tomorrow.
• The titration lab is tomorrow!! (Shoes!)
• Chapter 19 Test is next Friday!