I am designing a procedure for a lab where I have to use indicators to create an acid-base table from 6 solutions. I am just wondering...if I put a drop of indicator into a solution, do I have to dispose of it and obtain new solution before putting in another type of indicator? It makes sense to dispose of the solution after each indicator, but that's a lot of waste.
There are a few indicators that can be mixed but there are no general rules. I think the safest thing to do is to dispose of the old sample and begin again with each indicator. It need not be a waste, however, as it only takes a few mL of solution. By the way, I don't remember, but were you the author of that Eo problem where we obtained something x 10^-192 for K? If so, I left a message for you last night that the problem asked for pK, not K.
Ok, yes you're right. Thank you!
No, I'm not. :)
When working with indicators in a lab, it is generally a good practice to dispose of the solution after each use of an indicator. This is to minimize any potential cross-contamination or interference between different indicators that could affect the accuracy of your results.
However, in your case, where you are trying to create an acid-base table from multiple solutions using indicators, you can optimize the procedure and reduce waste by following these steps:
1. Start with the solution that requires the indicator showing the highest color contrast and perform the required tests.
2. After finishing the tests using the first indicator, carefully rinse the glassware (such as beakers or test tubes) with distilled water to remove any residue from the previous solution.
3. Dispose of the rinsing water properly.
4. Repeat the process by using the next solution and the respective indicator in a clean glassware.
By rinsing the glassware thoroughly with distilled water between each use, you can reduce the risk of contamination without needing to obtain a new solution for each indicator. This approach allows you to conserve resources while still obtaining reliable results. Just be sure to properly document your procedure and discard any contaminated or expired solutions as per your lab's guidelines.