Volumetric analysis, also known as titration, is a method used in chemistry to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution. It involves adding a known volume of a solution with a known concentration (the titrant) to a solution containing the substance being analyzed (the analyte) until a chemical reaction is complete. The point at which the reaction is complete is called the equivalence point.
To calculate the concentration of the analyte, you need to know the volume of the titrant solution added and the stoichiometry of the reaction between the titrant and analyte. The stoichiometry refers to the balanced equation that shows the ratio of reactants and products in the reaction.
Here's a summary of the steps involved in volumetric analysis:
1. Write the balanced equation for the reaction between the titrant and analyte.
2. Measure a known volume of the analyte solution.
3. Add an indicator to the analyte solution.
4. Slowly add the titrant solution to the analyte solution while swirling.
5. Observe the color change of the indicator to determine the endpoint.
6. Record the volume of titrant solution added.
7. Calculate the number of moles of titrant solution added using its concentration and volume.
8. Use the stoichiometry of the reaction to determine the number of moles of the analyte in the original solution.
By following these steps, you can calculate the concentration of the analyte solution using volumetric analysis.