Activity 1

Calibration of Pipets
Briana Halbert 9/17/2013 Dr. Kimaro

Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to calibrate three different pipets. Objectives: The objectives of this laboratory experiment was to learn the usage of volumetric glassware, proper procedures in transferring solutions, the difference between each pipet, determining the actual volumes of the three different types of pipets, and how to use an analytical balance. Procedure: The introductory sections, Mass Measurements and Volumetric Glassware were referred to, prior to using the balance and pipets. About 250 mL of deionized or distilled water was placed in a 400 mL beaker. When the temperature of the water was not at room temperature, it was left to be equilibrated to room temperature. The temperature of the equilibrated water was recorded using a thermometer. The thermometer was placed in the beaker containing water, and left in place during the experiment. If the temperature of the water changed during the experiment, the changed temperature was recorded. The temperature recorded, prior to each mass measurement, was used to do calculations. The Erlenmeyer flasks were labeled, 1, 2, and 3. Flask 1 was used with volumetric pipet; flask 2 was used with the serological pipet; flask 3 was used with the Mohr pipet. A rubber or cork stopper was placed on each flask, and the flasks were weighed. The masses were recorded. Upon proceeding to the next step, we practiced using the pipets. The volumetric pipets were allowed to drain into the vessel. The tip of the pipet touched the side of the vessel to remove the last drop. Mohr pipet delivered the volumes between calibrated marks on the sides. Serological pipet was allowed to completely drain into the vessel, while the remaining solution was blown into the vessel. The volumetric pipet was filled with room temperature water to the line. And transferred to flask 1. The cleaned serological pipet delivered the water to flask 2. The Mohr pipet delivered the water to flask 3. Each flask had a cork stopper placed on it follow by weighing them. The masses were recorded. The necks of the flask were not wet with water. Each pipet was used with its respectable flask seven more times. After adding the water each time, the flasks were weighed. The masses were recorded. Data/ Calculations: Temperature of distilled water: 22 C.
( ) ( )

Standard Deviation of Flask 1: Volumetric Pipet

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% Standard Deviation

% Standard Deviation of Flask 1: Volumetric Pipet

Results: Temperature of distilled water: 22 C.

Flask 1: Volumetric Pipet

Volume (mL)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Mass of Flask, stopper & Water(g)

42.3206 47.3474 52.3433 57.3433 62.3497 67.3480 72.3439 77.3262 82.3154

Temperature (C)
22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

Mass of Water Transferred (g)

0 5.0268 4.9959 5.0133 4.9931 4.9983 4.9959 5.0000 4.9892

Calculated Volume (mL)

0 5.0429 5.0119 5.0294 5.0091 5.0143 5.0119 5.0161 5.0051

Flask 2: Serological Pipet

Volume (mL)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Mass of Flask, stopper & Water(g)

40.0396 45.0615 50.0795 55.1089 60.0030 65.0564 70.0541 75.0756 80.0823

Temperature (C)
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Mass of Water Transferred (g)

0 5.0219 5.0180 5.0294 4.8941 5.0534 4.9977 5.0215 5.0067

Calculated Volume (mL)

0 5.0370 5.0331 5.0445 4.9088 5.0686 5.0127 5.0366 5.0218

Flask 3: Mohr Pipet

Volume (mL)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Mass of Flask, stopper & Water(g)

38.4509 43.4478 48.4535 53.4661 58.4639 63.4836 68.5703 73.5806 78.5928

Temperature (C)
22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

Mass of Water Transferred (g)

0 4.9969 5.0057 5.0126 4.9978 5.0197 5.0867 5.0103 5.0122

Calculated Volume (mL)

0 5.0129 5.0217 5.0287 5.0138 5.0358 5.103 5.0264 5.0283

During the volumetric experiment, the temperature read 22 C. The density was 0.9968 g/mL. During the Mohr experiment, the temperature was 22 C. The density was 0.9966 g/mL. During the Serological experiment, the temperature was 21 C. The density was 0.9970 g/mL.

Volumetric Standard Deviation Average (mL) RSD (%) 0.0124 5.017875 0.31%

Serological 0.0479 5.0204 0.95%

Mohr 0.02899 5.033825 0.58%

Discussion: The volumetric pipet was the most accurate in measuring the distilled water. Volumetric pipet had the lowest standard deviation. The serological and Mohr pipets were off by 0.04 and 0.03. After calibrating a 5mL pipet giving the masses 4.975, 4.9845, 4.9800, and 4.9820g at 26C, the individual volumes of the pipets were 5.0000, 5.0050, 5.0005, and 5.0025. The average volume was 5.0020, and the standard of deviation was 0.0023. Conclusion: According to the results of the experiment, the volumetric pipet was the most precise with the lowest standard of deviation. The serological was the least precise. Therefore, the Mohr pipet was between the volumetric and Serological with the standard of deviation. Moreover, the conclusion of this experiment was drawn that this lab experiment is the calibration of the pipets: volumetric, serological, and Mohr pipets are precise but not accurate. Better measurement and practice of the experiment would have made the experiment more precise.