Title: Volumetric Analysis-Standard Solution

Aim: To prepare a standard solution of sodium carbonate (Na 2CO3)

Apparatus and Materials:

 Beaker
 Wash bottle
 Funnel
 Dropper
 Spatula
 Electronic balance
 Glass rod
 Volumetric Flask (250cm3)
 Distilled water
 Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)

Procedure: An empty beaker was weighed and its weight was recorded in a suitable table. Approximately
10.6 grams of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) was added to the beaker and reweighed. The new weight was
also recorded in the table. The Na2CO3 was dissolved in 200cm3 of distilled water by stirring with a glass
rod. The solution was transferred to a 1000cm 3 volumetric flask using a funnel. The beaker and the
funnel were rinsed out three times with distilled water into the volumetric flask. Water was added to the
volumetric flask using a wash bottle until it reached the 250cm 3 mark. The final drops were added using
a dropper to ensure accuracy. All observations were recorded in a suitable table
Table of Results:
Item Mass (g)
Mass of beaker and Na2CO3/g 133.7
Mass of empty beaker/g 122.7
Mass of Na2CO3 used/g 10.6

Treatment of Results:

1.)Calculating the number of moles of Na2CO3

Calculating the molecular mass of Na2CO3

 Relative Atomic Mass of carbon=12

 Relative Atomic Mass of sodium=23x2
 Relative Atomic Mass of oxygen=16x3
 Relative Molecular Mass (RMM) of Na2CO3=12+46+48=106g

 The mass of salt used: 10.6 g

 The number of moles=mass of salt

RMM

=10.6g

106

=0.1moles

2.) Calculating the molar concentration of Na2CO3

 The number of moles of Na2CO3 used =0.1 moles

 The volume of solution used=1000cm3.
 To convert 1000cm3 into dm3: 1dm3 =1000cm3 ∴ 1000cm3=1dm3
 Molar Concentration=moles

Volume (dm3)

 Molar concentration = 0.1 moles

1dm3

= 0.1 M /moldm-3 Na2CO3 standard solution prepared.

3.)Calculating the mass of Na2CO3 that should be added to a 1000cm3 volumetric flask to make a 1M
solution of aqueous Na2CO3
Calculating the number of moles of Na2CO3 in 1000cm3 of solution

 Moles=volume (dm3) x molar concentration( M)

 To convert 1000cm3 into dm3: 1dm3 =1000cm3 ∴ 1000cm3/1dm3=1dm3
 Calculating the molar concentration of Na2CO3
 Moles=volume (dm3) x molar concentration (M) in 1dm3 of solution
 =1 dm3x 1M
=1mole
Calculating the mass of Na2CO3 in 1mole
 Mass=molesx RMM(g)
 RMM of Na2CO3 is calculated to be 106g (12)+(23x2)+(16x3) from the previous calculation
 Number of moles of Na2CO3=1 mole
 Mass =moles x RMM

=1 mole x106 g

106 g of Na2CO3 should be added to 1000cm3 of water to make a 1M solution

Discussion:

Volumetric Analysis is a method of finding out the quantity of substance present in a

solid or solution. It usually involves titrating a known solution called a standard solution
with an unknown solution. Based on the reaction equation, calculations are then made
to find out the concentration of the unknown solution.

In analytical chemistry, a standard solution is a solution containing a precisely known

concentration of an element or a substance. Molar concentration, also called molarity, is
a measure of the concentration of a solute. A standard solution is one that has been
made by dissolving an accurate mass of reactant into a known volume of water. This
means that the concentration of the standard solution is accurately known - so it can be
used to work out the concentration of another solution that it reacts with. This is the
main the purpose of preparing standard solutions.

A standard solution can be prepared in one of two ways. The first method is where a
primary standard is weighed , dissolved and diluted accurately to a known volume. Its
concentration can be calculated from the data which was done in the experiment.
Another method is where a solution is made to an approximate concentration and then
standardized by titrating an accurately weighed quantity of a primary standard.
A volumetric flask is a piece of laboratory glassware, which is calibrated to contain a
precise volume at a particular temperature. Volumetric flasks are used for precise
dilutions and preparation of standard solutions.

Precautions:

1) It was ensured that all of the Na2CO3 was transferred to the volumetric flask .

2.) It was ensured that all apparatus were rinsed and dried properly to prevent any
contamination with other chemicals and to produce an accurate 0.1M of solution.

3.) It was ensured that all the Na2CO3 was dissolved

4.) It was ensured that masses were weighed accurately on the analytical balance to
ensure accurate calculations.

SOE:

1.) Students made an error and poured water beyond the 1000cm3 mark leading to
inaccurate results
2.) Parallax error incurred due to the eye not being above the meniscus of the
volumetric flask

Conclusion: A standard solution of 0.1M was prepared

Reflection: I have gained a further comprehension on the topic of volumetric analysis

and its purpose in laboratory field work. I have also learnt about its importance for
determining the concentration of other substances. My experimental knowledge was
increased as I was introduced to new equipment such as the volumetric flask.