Lab report
By: Dana and Eman
Title of the Experiment: Titration of an Unknown Strong Acid with a Strong Base
Objective: The goal of this experiment was to observe how pH changes when an unknown
strong acid is titrated with a strong base. Specifically, the study aimed to plot the pH curve and
find the equivalence point where the acid neutralizes and the pH approaches neutral (around 7).
Hypothesis: As more of the strong base is added to the acid, the solution's pH will rise
gradually. The most significant pH change will happen near the equivalence point, where the
moles of acid equal those of the base. After this point, the pH will increase more slowly as the
solution turns more basic.
Apparatus:
● Burette
● Clamp
● Electrode (pH sensor)
● Tablet-style device for pH measurement
● Strong acid (25 mL)
● Water (50 mL for dilution)
● Strong base (50 mL)
● Beaker
● Pipette
Independent Variable: The volume of the strong base added to the acid. It was altered by
titrating 50 mL of the base into the acid in 2 mL steps, and later in 1 mL increments when the pH
approached 6.
Dependent Variable: The pH of the solution, measured using an electrode connected to a
tablet-like device for real-time readings.
Controlled Variables:
● Volume of acid: fixed at 25 mL
● Dilution of the acid: always diluted with 50 mL of water
● Temperature: though not directly controlled, room temperature was assumed to prevent
pH fluctuations
● Concentration of the base: kept constant throughout the titration
● Equipment calibration: the electrode and pH device were assumed to be properly
calibrated.
Method:
1. The strong acid was diluted with 50 mL of distilled water in a beaker.
2. The beaker with the diluted acid was placed under a burette and clamp.
3. The pH sensor electrode, connected to the tablet device, was placed in the acid solution
for continuous pH monitoring.
4. A strong base was added from the burette in 2 mL increments, and the pH was recorded
after each addition.
5. Once the pH reached 6, base additions were made in 1 mL increments, and the pH was
recorded.
6. The titration continued until a total of 50 mL of the base had been added.
7. The collected data was used to plot the pH titration curve.
Initial pH (~1.32): The initial pH of the titration reflects a very low value, meaning the acid used
was strong. The graph starts just above 1, typical for the pH of any aqueous solution of a strong
acid.
Smooth Increase (0 mL to ~20 mL): From 0 to 20 mL of base added, the pH increases
smoothly from about 1.32 to about 2.18. This part of the curve reflects that the acid is buffered
against being neutralized by the base, with only a gradual rise in pH as the base is added. This
is common at the early stage of titration when the acid is in excess.
Sharp Increase in pH: Between 20-33 mL, the inflection point occurs around 24 mL, causing a
sharp rise in pH from 4.71 to 7.00. This indicates that the acid is nearly neutralized, and the
strong base rapidly neutralizes the remaining hydrogen ions. The equivalence point, where the
moles of acid equal the moles of the base, occurs at about 33 mL, with a pH of 7. This is
consistent with a strong acid being neutralized by a strong base, leading to a neutral solution at
the equivalence point.
Above Equivalence Point: Beyond 33 mL, the pH rises slowly. Since the solution has reached
the equivalence point, an additional strong base pushes the pH into the basic range. By the end
of the titration, with 50 mL of base added, the pH reaches about 10.13.
Buffer Region: Between 20 mL and 28 mL, a buffering effect is visible, with a faster pH
increase but not steep enough to indicate neutrality. This shows the solution transitioning from
acidic to neutral.
Plateau Region: After 33 mL, the graph shows a gentle rise in pH, typical after the acid has
been neutralized and the base is in excess.
This titration curve reflects a classic strong acid-strong base titration, with a clear equivalence
point around pH 7, followed by the solution becoming more basic as more base is added.
