PAG 11.

1 pH-Problem Solving

Introduction:
This investigation will be to test 7 given unknown colourless solutions of either
acids, bases or a buffer solution which will be tested until identified.
Aim:
The aim of this investigation is to test the given solutions using various different
methods until each is identified as one of the following:
1. Ammonia- pH ~ 11
2. Ethanoic Acid- pH ~2.88
3. Ethanoate Buffer- pH ~4.76
4. Hydrochloric Acid- pH ~1.08
5. Sulfuric (VI) Acid-pH ~1.01
6. Methanoic Acid- pH ~2.38
7. Sodium Hydroxide- pH~12.88
Method:
1. Wafting Test
a) take each solution and open the container
b) holding it near nose, pass air using hand towards nose
c) note observations in table

2. Phenolphthalein Indicator Test

a) label 7 wells pf spotting tile as solutions A-G
b) add 2 drops of each solution using dropping pipettes to the wells under
its label
c) add 1 drop of phenolphthalein using a dropping pipette each well
d) note observations in table
e) note if basic if solution turned pink

3. Testing pH Values of Bases with pH Meter

a) Calibrate pH meter:
o Place probe into a pH 7 buffer solution and measure pH
o Using a screw driver, move screw until pH measure is exactly 7
o Rinse probe after use
o Place probe into a pH 10 buffer and measure pH
o Using a screw driver, move screw until pH measure is exactly 10
b) test pH of the solutions identified as basic
c) record values in table

4. Testing pH Values of Remaining Solutions with pH Meter

a) Calibrate pH meter:
o Place probe into a pH 7 buffer solution and measure pH
o Using a screw driver, move screw until pH measure is exactly 7
o Rinse probe after use
o Place probe into a pH 4 buffer and measure pH
o Using a screw driver, move screw until pH measure is exactly 4

b) Test pH of remaining solutions

c) Record values in table

5. Titration

RACHEL MCAVAN
PAG 11.1 pH-Problem Solving

a) label 7 test tubes A-G

b) place 3cm of each solution into test tube of its label
c) add 2 drops of phenolphthalein indicator to each test tube (bases
should turn pink while acidic solutions remain colourless)
d) perform titration using HCL for solutions found to be basic and NaOH
for remaining solution using dropping pipettes until colour change is
observed
e) record number of drops it takes until colour change

Results Table:

Soluti Smell Observatio Basi pH Number of Identity

on ns with c? Valu drops till
Phenolphth e pH change
alein
A No No change No 1.45 Av= Sulfuric
smell acid

B Punge Colour Yes 11.5 Av= Ammonia

nt change to
smell pink

C Weak No change No 1.27 Av= Hydrochlo

smell ric acid

D No Colour Yes 13.59 Av= Sodium

smell change to hydroxide
pink

E Vineg No change No 2.87 Av= Ethanoic

ar acid
smell

F Vineg No change No 2.90 Av= Ethanoat

ar e buffer
smell

G No No change No 2.38 1 1 Av= Methanoi

smell 7 5 16 c acid

Equipment:

Apparatus Justification
pH meter To measure the pH of the unknown

RACHEL MCAVAN
PAG 11.1 pH-Problem Solving

solutions to identify them

Glass beakers To wash and hold pH probe
Dropping pipettes To transfer solutions and use in hand
titration
Test tubes To separate solutions for titrations
Test tube rack To hold test tubes during titrations
Spot tile To separate solutions during
phenolphthalein test
Distilled water in wash bottle To wash pH probe between uses
Phenolphthalein indicator solution To measure if solution is basic
0.4 moldm HCl (aq) To use in hand titration of bases
0.4 moldm NaOH (aq) To use in hand titration of acids

Risk Assessment:

Chemicals Hazard Management

Phenolphthalein Highly flammable, eye Wear eye protection and
indicator solution (0.1%) irritant and carcinogenic lab coats. Keep away
if ingested. from any sources of
ignition. Wash hands and
wipe surfaces after use.
0.4 moldm NaOH (aq) Skin irritant and serious Wear eye protection and
eye irritant. lab coats. Wash hands
and wipe surfaces after
use.
0.4 moldm HCl (aq) Low hazard (<0.6) but Wear eye protection and
may cause irritation to lab coats. Wash hands
eyes and skin. and wipe surfaces after
use.
Solutions A-G Skin and eye irritant. Wear eye protection and
lab coats. Wash hands
and wipe surfaces after
use.

Apparatus Hazard Hazard in Management

Procedure
Glassware If broken can When transferring Use carefully in
cause cuts. liquids, washing isolated area to
and transporting minimise
liquids. potential
accidents. Have
broken glass kit
and first aid kit
easily accessible.
Liquids If spilt can cause When being Use carefully and
irritation to skin, transferred or wipe up any spills
eyes and washing immediately.
respiratory apparatus. Have chemical
system and slips. spill kit, eye wash
and first aid kit

RACHEL MCAVAN
PAG 11.1 pH-Problem Solving

easily accessible.

References:
Extension Questions:

RACHEL MCAVAN