The objective of the experiment is to prepare different buffer solutions and to determine the ph of

the buffers and samples colorimetrically using different liquid indicators and electrometrically
using the ph meter. A buffer solution is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a
weak base and its conjugate acid. It resists a sudden change in ph whenever small amounts of
acid or base are added.[1] In the experiment, a 250 ml phosphate buffer solution with ph of 7.5
with a molar concentration of 0.10M was prepared. The ph of the buffer solution was measured
electrochemically using the ph meter and manipulated using 6M HCl (to make the buffer more
acidic) and 6M NaOH (to make the buffer more basic). The ph meter uses an electrode to
measure the hydrogen ion concentration and the ph of an unknown solution. [1] The prepared
buffer solution was subjected to colorimetric determination using acid-base indicators (Thymol
blue, Bromophenol blue, Bromocresol green, Bromocresol purple, Phenol red, Methyl orange,
Phenolphthalein). Colorimetric determination of pH showed the varying color changes an acidbase indicator undergoes when added to a solution of certain pH. The sample, iced tea and
distilled water were also subjected to Colorimetric determination. Acid - base indicators or
simply indicators are one of the easiest ways to determine the pH of a solution is by adding a
substance whose color is dependent on the pH.[2] Colorimetric determination of pH showed the
varying color changes an acid-base indicator undergoes when added to a solution of certain pH.
[1] Crisostomo et al. (2010). Ph measurement and buffer preparation. In Laboratory
manual in general biochemistry. C & E publishing.
[2] Estimation of pH - Acid-Base Indicators. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2015, from
http://www.harpercollege.edu/tm-ps/chm/100/dgodambe/thedisk/ph/abind.htm