Explain why the FeCl3-KCI-HCl solution was used as a reference solution. Suggest a procedure you could follow to determine whether it was necessary to use this solution as a reference or whether distilled water would have been just as satisfactory.
The FeCl3-KCI-HCl solution is commonly used as a reference solution in various experiments and analytical procedures, particularly in chemistry. It serves as a standard against which other solutions can be compared. Here's why it was used and a procedure to determine its necessity:
Reason for using FeCl3-KCI-HCl solution as a reference:
1. Stability: The FeCl3-KCI-HCl solution is stable and can be stored without degradation for extended periods, making it suitable for repeated use as a reference solution.
2. Known properties: The concentration, composition, and behavior of the FeCl3-KCI-HCl solution are well-established, allowing for accurate comparisons with other solutions.
Procedure to determine the necessity of using FeCl3-KCI-HCl solution as a reference:
1. Prepare two identical samples: Fill two containers with distilled water, ensuring that the samples are the same volume.
2. Assign one container as the reference sample and the other as the test sample.
3. Measure a specific property: Select a property that you want to compare between the reference and test solutions. It could be absorbance, pH, conductivity, or any other relevant characteristic.
4. Measure the property of the reference sample: Use an appropriate instrument or method to measure the specific property of the reference sample accurately. This will establish a baseline value.
5. Measure the property of the test sample: Using the same instrument and technique, measure the specific property of the test sample and record the value.
6. Compare the results: Compare the property measurement obtained from the reference sample with that of the test sample. If the values are similar, it suggests that distilled water could be just as satisfactory. If there is a significant difference, it indicates the need for a more precise reference solution like FeCl3-KCI-HCl.
7. Repeat the experiment: To confirm the findings, repeat the experiment multiple times and analyze the consistency of the results.
By following this procedure, you can determine whether the use of the FeCl3-KCI-HCl reference solution is necessary or if a simple distilled water reference would suffice for your specific analysis or experiment.