A student did not fully mix the solution of Oxalic Acid in the volumetric flask predict and explain the effect of the range of the students titration volumes when using the NaOH solution to titrate the Oxalic Acid solution
Not mixing the oxalic acid means that changing concns were removed with successive titrations causing results from high to low (as well as erratic).
The effect of not fully mixing the solution of Oxalic Acid in the volumetric flask on the range of the student's titration volumes can be explained as follows:
1. Incomplete Mixing: If the student did not fully mix the Oxalic Acid solution in the volumetric flask, the concentration of the acid may not be uniform throughout the solution. This means that some parts of the solution may have a higher concentration of Oxalic Acid while other parts may have lower concentrations.
2. Titration Process: Titration is a technique used to determine the concentration of an unknown substance by reacting it with a known substance. In this case, the student is using a NaOH solution to titrate the Oxalic Acid. The reaction between NaOH and Oxalic Acid is typically a 1:2 stoichiometric ratio.
3. Range of Titration Volumes: When the student begins the titration process by adding the NaOH solution to the Oxalic Acid, the incomplete mixing of the acid may lead to variations in the reaction rate. Some regions with higher concentrations of Oxalic Acid will react more quickly, requiring less NaOH solution for neutralization. Conversely, regions with lower concentrations will require more NaOH solution.
4. Variation in Endpoint Detection: The endpoint of a titration is the point at which the reaction between the two substances is complete. Typically, a color change or a change in pH indicates the endpoint. However, due to the variation in concentration throughout the Oxalic Acid solution, the color change or pH shift may occur at different titration volumes in different regions of the solution.
5. Effect on Accuracy: The range of the student's titration volumes will be larger and less precise due to the incomplete mixing of the Oxalic Acid solution. This can lead to inaccuracies in determining the concentration of the Oxalic Acid solution. Some parts of the solution may require less NaOH for neutralization, while others will require more, resulting in a wider range of titration volumes.
To ensure accurate results, it is crucial to thoroughly mix the solution of Oxalic Acid in the volumetric flask before starting the titration. This will help to achieve a uniform concentration throughout the solution, resulting in a narrower range of titration volumes and more accurate determination of the concentration.