DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

The purpose of this lab is to determine how conductometry can be used to obtain the concentration of a Ba(OH)2 solution. In the experiment we will determine the equivalence point using a conductometric method, which is possible due to the presents of ions in a given solution. Solutions conduct electricity when ions are present so the higher the concentration of ions generally yields higher conductivity. If two strong electrolytes were mixed together and they react with the ions then a precipitate or non-conducting molecule or gas is produced, which leaves the system. Thus, the ion concentration and conductivity decreases. If more of either strong electrolyte is added the ion concentration will keep decreasing and also the conductivity until the equivalence point is reached. At the equivalence point, the two electrolytes are combined in their stoichiometric ratio. In other words, all the ions are removed and the conductivity is at its minimum.

 

In the experiment we will titrate the Ba(OH)2 solution with a H2SO4 solution. We will be using the data collection system and the conductivity sensor to record graphs when the equivalence point is reached. The titration process will be performed using the Titrator and three jars that will contain the Ba(OH)2 solution. We will perform a titration as done in previous experiments and use an amount of stock H2SO4 and connect it to the Titrator so that when we start the Titrator, droplets will drop into a jar filled with 50.0mL of Ba(OH)2 solution and water until the equivalence point is reached. We will be monitoring the graphs on the data collection system and stop the experiment when we see a change in the curve. The solution will be mixed while it is titrating to ensure that all the components react.

 

In this experiment I predict that the curve of the graph will begin at a high conductivity and as time progresses and volume increases, it will continue to decrease until the equivalence point is reached. After the equivalence point is reached then the curve will begin to elevate once again showing that the excess H2SO4 ions concentration will increase as more solution is added. We are going to used that lowest point and determine the concentration of the Ba(OH)2 solution. 

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.