In this lab, the neutralization of of an acid and a base was observed. 20 drops of sodium hydroxide were added to an evaporating dish, followed by a drop of phenolphthalein indicator. The solution turned pink when the indicator was included. Quantitative Neutralization was used by adding drops of hydrochloric acid one by one to a sodium hydroxide-phenolphthalein solution. After a certain number of drops were added, the change of pH was seen by the change of colour in the dish, from red to clear. When the test solution had turned clear, it was determined that the solution was neutralized. The solution was evaporated, and the product was a white, chalky substance. Water was added to it, and tested for conductivity.
Discussion
The purpose of this lab was to determine what happens and how to detect when an acid and a base neutralize. The equation for this lab was HCl + NaOh –> H2O + NaCl. As acids and bases have the same strength, they created a double displacement reaction. When the phenolphthalein was added to the solution and the colour turned pink, you knew that the base had reacted (Acids and Bases).
When the hydrochloric acid was added, neutralization occurred, and the acid turned the phenolphthalein colourless. After 44 drops, the solution was neutralized, as the acids and bases were equal in amount (7 on the pH scale, meaning the solution was water and salt).
The Term Paper on The Titration Of Acids And Bases
... this titration the oxalic acid solution is acidic and therefore phenolphthalein will be colorless. The sodium hydroxide solution will be added drop wise from a buret ... to basic. The common indicator used for acid base titrations is phenolphthalein. Phenolphthalein is colorless in a solution that is acidic and bright pink in ...
When the solution was put on the evaporator, the water evaporated, leaving the salt.
Then distilled water was added to the sodium chloride and tested for conductivity. The solution did conduct electricity. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, therefore it holds ions that conduct electricity. In this experiment, different groups used different droppers, so the amount dropped into the dish could have been different, therefore each group had a different quantity of drops used. Some groups had an unusually small number, which is confusing, as groups can misinterpret this and believe that they did the lab wrong. A way to make this lab more clear would be to do it together as a class, so everyone ends up with the same observations and has a better understanding of the lab.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the pH scale, as it is all around us in our world. In nature, and in our manmade products, such as dangerous liquids that we might use around the house everyday, like cleaning products. If you understand pH levels, you understand what products to stay away from, as well as receive an understanding of our environment and what it requires to sustain its needs. This lab showed us how to detect a neutralization on the pH scale, and what happens when this occurs.
