I posted this before but nobody replied so I'll post again...
this is in reference to whether textbooks such as Fundamentals of analytical chem should be cited as a literature source in a lab report on the titration of wine with standardized NaOH IF I said that %tartaric acid was usually less than 1% and I took that from the book. For my bio lab report that I did before and was graded on I DID NOT put the text in as a citation source. I was told that a text is NOT considered a literature source. So I was wondering if this includes the info on the % tartaric acid being usually less than 1%. I don't know if this is common knowledge. B/c if it is then the text would not be cited since that was the only information that I used from the text besides that phenolphthalein is a basic indicator which I know is common knowledge.
thanks
As a text author, I agree generally<i/> texts should not be quoted as reference sources. As a winemaker, all sorts of things can be incuded in wine to control pH. Of course tartaric acid is usually less than one percent, but that does not prevent it from being more. This years grapes here in Central Texas are unusually acid, so I will add calcium carbonate to correct pH. Usually, I add none, and the percent of calcium in the wine is nil.
Avoid quoting texts on reference material. Often in texts we gloss over some things to make the text read simpler, and learnable. Texts are not usually considered first source reference material. There are exceptions, but they are not common.
Thanks =)
In terms of citing a textbook as a literature source in your lab report, it is generally not recommended to do so. Textbooks are not typically considered primary sources of information and may often overlook certain details or simplify concepts for the sake of readability. Instead, it is best to use primary research papers or reputable scientific sources as references in your report.
In the specific case of the information about the percentage of tartaric acid being less than 1%, it is important to validate this information through additional sources. While it may be true that this is a commonly known fact in the field of analytical chemistry, it is always good practice to support such statements with reliable and verifiable sources.
If you are unsure whether this information is considered common knowledge or if it requires a citation, you can consult with your instructor or refer to established scientific literature on the topic. Academic journals and research papers often provide more detailed and specific information that can be used to support your statements in a lab report. Remember to properly cite any sources that you use to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original authors.