1.

Abstract

The experiment of determination of the K a value of weak acid enabled us to understand

concept of titration and how to determine the value of K a by using two differential
methods. First method that had been used is by comparing the calculated average acid
ionization constants, Ka values from the data obtained from the titration process with the
Ka values of the acids which can be found in the journals, websites or general chemistry
books. Second method that had been used is determined the value of K a of unknown
weak acid by using the pH initial of the unknown weak acid.
During the method 1, the standardization of NaOH solution is prepared twice by using
burette for titration of NaOH with the unknown acid with dropped by dropped additions
of NaoH solution. The volume of NaOH at equivalence point is 1.5 mL for both titrations.
The pH values obtained for both titration at equivalence point of unknown acid is 8.33
and 8.05. From the graph that had been plotted, the volume of NaOH and pH value will
be determined at the half-equivalence point. They are really important to find because
from that things, we can determine the average K a value which is 1.0 x 10-5. For that two
titration we get the same value for titration 1 and titration 2. The unknown acid is
identified as proanoic acid. We can determine that acid from the table had been given
by referring to the value of Ka. So the closest to that value of Ka is propanoic acid.
For the second experiment by measuring the initial pH of weak acid solution to calculate
the Ka, the Ka for solution 1 is

average Ka is

5.25 108

5.02 10

and Ka for solution 2 is

5.48 10

. The

and the unknown acid is identified as potassium hydrogen

phthalate (KHP).

There is percentage error have been calculated due to error during the experiment is
conducted. The percentage error is quite large for both methods which are 23.08 % and
1

98.65 % respectively due to the some reasons. Firsty, the volume NaOH solution
dropped slightly different due to rate of speed of NaOH solution drop. Then, magnetic
stirrer contact with the wall of beaker that interuppted the dissolving solution process. All
of these reasons make, the results for this both method used do not get the same type
of acid. They should be the same type of acid.
Based on results, we should get the same type of acid even though using the different
experimental methods. The experiment is completed and successfully conducted.

1.2

Introduction

Titration is an analytical procedure used to identify the concentration of a sample

using a fast chemical reaction by reacting with a certain volume of reactant which can
be a standard solution until the stoichiometry for that reaction is obtained. During the
titration, the standard solution, which comes to be NaOH solution will be in the burette.
Burette is one of the apparatus that we used in labratorary which is really important for
titration that will used to titrate the solution approxiamately. When acid-base reaction is
used, it will called the acid-base titration for that experiment that involving the titration. A
titration is a way where a solution of known concentration is used to determine the
concentration of an unknown solution. Then, the titration method is really useful to
determine the pKa values and the molecular mass of the subtances.

Acids and bases consist of weak and strong. While this classification seems
somewhat arbitrary, other more quantitative descriptors exist. For acids, Ka values are
commonly used. The ionization of an acid can be shown by the following equation:

HA(aq)

H+(aq) +

A-(aq)

(Equation 1)

When an equilibrium exists, an equilibrium constant, Ka, can be written:

+
HA

Ka=

(Equation 2)
The Ka value is an indication of acid strength. The higher the value of Ka of
unknown acid the stronger the acid. This value is characteristic of the acid and can be
used to help identify an unknown acid. A similar system exists for bases (K b).
In the potentiometric titration method, a sample of acid is titrated with base. The
pH values are plotted vs. the volume of base added.

The equivalence point is

determined from the graph. Next, the volume of base halfway to the equivalence point
is found, and the pH at this volume is noted. The [H +] corresponding to this pH is equal
to the Ka for the acid. At a point halfway to the equivalence point, [H +] = [HA] = [A-] for a
monoprotic acid. Canceling out [A-] and [HA] in Equation 2 gives Ka = [H+].
For this experiment, an unknown acid is titrated with NaOH solution. By adding
the NaOH solution gradually into the 250 mL beaker that contain the unknown weak
acid. A pH meter is used to determine the pH value of solution instead of using
phenolphthalein as an indicator solution in order to determine the pH value at each 1
mL dropped of NaOH solution. The pH value is taken by using the pH meter in each
dropped of 1 mL volume of NaOH solution. In order to keep the pH meter at neutral pH,
the electron is stored in distilled water. Before taking the pH value, the electrode of pH
meter is rinsed by the distilled water for every 1 mL volume of NaOH solution dropped.
After obtaining the data from the experiment which is titration, the graph will be
plotted. A titration curve is a graph of measured pH values that obtained from the pH
meter readings against volume of NaOH solution added. The main point to do the
titration is to determine the the equivalance point for the reaction in this experiment.
When the added quantity of one reactant is accurate with the amount essential for
stoichiometric reaction with another reactant, the equivalance point is already achieved.
The calculation of unknown can be done when knowing the quantity of known solution
that required to complete the titration.

1.3

Aims

The main objective for this experiment is to determine the unknown weak acid by using
two different experimental methods. First and foremost, the method used is by
comparing the calculated average acid ionization constants, K a values from the data
obtained from the titration process with the K a values of the acids which can be found in
the journals, websites or general chemistry books. Other than that, the value of K a of
unknown weak acid also can be determined by using the pH initial of the unknown weak
acid.
1.3

Theory

The unkown acid is used in this experiment. An acid is a subtances that capable of
donating a proton, H + based on Bronsted theory meanwhile for the Arrhenius theory,
acid is a subtance that ionize in water to produce hydrogen ion (H +). Acid consist of
monoprotic acid, diprotic acid and polyprotic acid. The monoprotic acid that can donate
a proton meanwhile the polyprotic acid can donate more than one proton. Monoprotic
acid can release one proton per molecule and only have one equivalence point. When a
weak monoprotic acid ( HX ) is dissolved in water and only certain of its molecules will
be dissociate to yield hydronium ions, H 3O+ and X- ions. So the following reaction :

(aq)
+ ( aq )+ X
HX ( aq )+ H 2 0 H 3 O

Total concentrations of each species remain costant even the species in

solutions are constantly recombining or dissociating. The ionization constant, Ka of
weak acid is used when to identify the monoprotic acid.

+ ( aq )
( aq )
X

H 3 O

Ka=

(Equation 1)
As we know, the weak acid have K a values much smaller than 1, exactly less
than 10-4 to be more accurately. To identify number of moles for acid presence, base
can be used by assuming 1 : 1 molar ratio of acid : base, the concentration as well as
the volume of sodium hydroxide, NaOH solution.
Number of mole of base=

Mass of base
Molar Mass of base

(Equation 2)

Number of mole of acid=Number of mole for base

1 mol acid
1 mol of base

(Equation 3)
The pH of a solution is related to hydronium ions, H3O + by equation :
6

H3O
[ +]

pH =log
(Equation 4)

The pKa of an acid is simply :

pKa=log Ka

(Equation 5)
By considering the equation 1, take log on both sides:

+ ( aq )
H 3 O

( aq )
X

logKa=log
(Equation 6)
Thus, by substituting equation 6 into equation 5:

+ ( aq )
H 3 O

( aq )
X

pKa=log

(Equation 7)
Therefore, by substituting equation 4 into equation 7:

( aq )

pKa=pH log

(Equation 8)

However, since pKa is constant and pH varies, hence:

( aq )

pKa=pH + log

(Equation 9)
Therefore, when [A-] = [HX], thus:

pKa=pH at equivalent point

(Equation 10)
This is the midpoint to the equivalence point. In order to analyze the ionization
constant, Ka values of the unknown monoprotic acid, a titration curve is needed in this
experiment. The titration curve represents the pH values at particular volume of NaOH
solution being added. Thus, the pKa value can be identified directly from the titration
curve. From the experiment conducted, three titration curves of pH versus volume of
base added are plotted. The volume of base at equivalence point and half- equivalence
point are determined and clearly marked on each curves. Then, the pH values at that
particular half-equivalence point are extrapolated. Now, the pH values can be used to
determine the ionization constant, Ka value and the average value of Ka is determined.
The average Ka is then used to identify the unknown monoprotic acid.

The value of Ka of monoprotic acid can also determined by using the initial pH
value and initial concentration of unknown monoprotic acid and use the ICE table. The
ICE table is initial concentration (I), change in concentration (C) and equilibrium
concentration (E). The pKa value can be calculated by using the value of initial pH of
unknown monoprotic acid.
A titration is a technique where a solution of known concentration is used to
determine the concentration of an unknown solution. Typically, the titrant (the know
solution) is added from a burette to a known quantity of the analyse (the unknown
solution) until the reaction is complete. Knowing the volume of titrate added allows the
determination of the concentration of the unknown. Usually, the indicator is used to give
the signal for the end of the reaction, which is known as end point. The method used to
measure the total acidity of the vinegar by using an acid-base titration. For an acid-base
titration, the chemical reaction in generally known as:

Acid + Base=Salt+ Water

Concentration is mean that the composition of a solution and can be expressed as the

ratio of

solute
solvent

Molarity ( M )=

or

solute
solution .The two unit of concentration expressing the ratio are:

Moles of solute
Volume of solutionLitre

10

Percentage by mass=

1.5

Mass of solute
100
Mass of solution

Apparatus and Materials

All the apparatus used for this experiment are listed in the table 1.5 - 1 with their
descriptions.
Meanwhile, all the materials used for this experiment are recorded in table 1.5 - 2.
No
1
2
3
4

Apparatus
Magnetic stirrer
Beaker (250mL)
Retort stand
Burette
Pipette

Descriptions
To stir the solution simultenously
To place all the solution
To hold the burette
To titrate the sodium hydroxide solution

Volumetric flask

pH meter

To dilute a solution to certain volume

To detect and read the changes of pH value for the

Hot plate

To transfer accurate particular volume of solution

solution
To assist the stirring of solution in the experiment
11

To measure and transfer the correct amount of

9

Measuring cylinder

solutions needed from its actual container into the

beaker

Table 1.5 - 1 show the apparatus that used for this experiment.

No
1
2
3
4

Material
0.1 M of sodium hydroxide solution
Unknown weak acid
Distilled water
Phenolphthalein

Table 1.5 - 2 show the materials that used for this experiment.

12

Burette
Retort stand

pH meter
Beaker
250mL
Magnetic

Solution
Hot plate

stirrer

Diagram 1.5
Diagram 1.5 above shows the set up apparatus for this experiment

1.6

Methadology / Procedure

1.6.1 Determination of the Ka value of a weak acids by titration with NaOH

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

10 mL of an unknown weak acid solution was obtained approximately.

10 mL of the unknown acid solutions was added to a 250 mL beaker.
The solution was titrated with NaOH solution.
The reaction mixture was poured into the waste container.
The 250 mL beaker was washed with copious amounts of water.
Steps 1-5 were repeated once again.
The graph was plotted and the titration curve was obtained.
The volume of NaOH required to neutralize the weak acid solution in each

titration was obtained from the titration curve.

9. The data was recorded.

13

10. The volume of NaOH added at the equivalence point in each titration was
calculated.
11. The weak acid solution was determined from the graph.
12. The data was recorded.
13. The Ka value for each titration was calculated.
14. The average Ka value for the weak acid was calculated.
15. From the average Ka value, the unknown weak acid was identified.
16. The molarity of the unknown acid solution for each titration was calculated.
17. The average molarity of the unknown acid solution was calculated.

1.6.2 Determination of the Ka from the initial concentration and pH of a weak acid
solution.
1. 100 mL of the unknown weak acid solution was added to a volumetric flask
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

followed by 100 mL of distilled water into it.

The solution was shaked to make sure the solution mixed evenly.
Then, the solution was divided into two dry 250 mL beakers equally.
The phenolphthalein was put into the one of the beaker that contain the solution.
The pH electrode was removed from the pH 7 buffer solution.
The electrode was rinsed with distilled water and the tip of the probe was dried

with the tissue.

7. The electrode was inserted into the beaker containing the unknown acid solution.
8. The solution was stirred.
9. The initial pH of the solutions was recorded after the pH reading was stabilized.
10. The solution that contain phenolphthalein was titrated with NaOH solution until
the pale pink observed.
11. After that, the solution that had been titrated with NaOH solution was mixed with
the other one solution which had been prepared before which do not contain the
phenolphthalein.
12. Then, the pH value was checked by the pH meter.
13. The volume of NaOH solution that had been used was discovered.
14. The data was recorded.
14

15. The weak acid solution was decanted into the designated into the waste
container.
16. Step 1until 15 was repeated once again.

1.7

Results and calculations

1.7.1 Result for determination for Ka value of a weak acids by titration with NaOH
solution
Titration 1
Volume of NaOH ( mL )
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

pH value
4.10
5.34
11.32
11.74
11.80
11.89
12.09
12.14
12.18
12.23
12.23
12.23

Table 1.7 - 1 shows the result for titration 1

Titration 2
Volume of NaOH ( mL )
0
1
2
3
4
5

pH value
4.17
5.23
10.87
11.72
11.81
11.89
15

6
7
Volume of NaOH at 8
equivalence point 9
(mL)
10
11
pH at halfTable
shows
result

equivalence point
pKa
Acid ionization
constant, Ka

Titration 1

Average

1.5

Titration
11.962
12.10
12.14
1.5
12.18
12.18
12.18

5.0

5.0

5.0

1.0 105

1.0 105

1.0 105

1.5

1.7 - 2
the
for

titration 2

Table 1.7 - 3 shows the combination result for both titrations

16

Graph obtained from the titration

Titration 1

Graph of pH against volume of NaOH for titration 1

14.00
12.00
10.00
8.00

pH value

6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

Volume of NaOH

Graph 1.7 - 1 shows the titration curve titration 1

Equivalent point
17

pH : 8.33
Volume of NaOH : 1.5 mL
Half equivalent point
pH : 5.0
Volume of NaOH : 0.75 mL
Titration 2

Graph of pH against volume of NaOH for titration 2

14.00
12.00
10.00
8.00

pH value

6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

Volume of NaOH

Graph 1.7 - 2 shows the titration curve titration 2

Equivalent point
pH : 8.05
18

Volume of NaOH : 1.5 mL

Half equivalent point
pH : 5.0
Volume of NaOH : 0.75 mL

1.7.2 Result for determination of the Ka from the initial concentration and pH of a
weak acid solution
Titration 1
Initial pH
pH value after titration
Volume of NaOH used ( mL)
pH after mixing titration with
other half acid solution

4.15
8.76
9.70
4.97

Table 1.7 - 4 shows the result for titration 1

Titration 2
Initial pH
pH value after titration
Volume of NaOH used ( mL)
pH after mixing titration with
other half acid solution

4.15
8.76
9.70
4.97

Table 1.7 - 5 shows the result for titration 2

19

Calculations
Calculation by using first method : Titration the unknown acid with the sodium
hydroxide solution, NaOH

Ka value for each titration :

Titration 1
Equivalence point =

11.32+ 5.34
=8.33
2

the graph , volume NaOH at equivalence point=1.5 mL=0.00 15 L

Volume NaOH at half equivalence point=

1.5
=0.75 mL=0.00 075 L
2

pH at 1.5 mL ( half equivalence point )=5.0

pH= p K a

p K a=log K a=5.0

K a=105.0=1. 0 105

20

Titration 2

Equivalence point =

5.23+10.87
=8.05
2

the graph , volume NaOH at equivalence point=1.5 mL=0.00 15 L

Volume NaOH at half equivalence point=

1.5
=0.75 mL=0.00 075 L
2

pH at 0.75 mL ( half equivalence point ) =5.00

pH= p K a

p K a=log K a=5.0

K a=105.0=1. 0 105

21

Average value of Ka

Average K a=

(1. 0 105+1. 0 105 )

=1. 0 105
2

Identification of unknown acid

The unknown acid is Propanoic Acid, since the value of Ka calculated is

1. 0 10

which is closest to the Ka of propanoic acid which is 1.3 x 10-5 .

Percentage error

22


100 =23.08
1.3 105
Calculation Error=

1.0 1051.3 105

Molarity of unknown acid for each titration

M 1 V 1=M 2 V 2

Titration 1

( 0.1 M ) ( 1.5 103 ) =M 2( 10 103)

M 2=0.015 M
Titration 2

( 0.1 M ) ( 1.5 103 ) =M 2( 10 103)

M 2=0.015 M

23

Average molarity of the unknown acid solution

Average Molarity=

0.015+ 0.015
=0.015 M
2

24

Calculation using the second method: Measuring the initial pH of the weak acid
solution to calculate

The value of

Ka

Ka

for each solution

Solution 1: pH = 4.15
+
H 3 O

+ + A
HA + H 2 O H 3 O

Initial, M
Change, M
Equilibrium, M

HA

+
H 3 O

0.1
5
7.08 10

0
5
7.08 10

0. 17.08 105

7.08 105

0
5
7.08 10
7.08 105

+
H 3 O(aq)

A(aq)

K a=

25

K a=

( 7.08 105)(7.08 105)

=5.02 108
5
0.17.08 10

Solution 2: pH = 4.13
+
H 3 O

+ + A
HA + H 2 O H 3 O

Initial, M
Change, M
Equilibrium, M

HA

+
H 3 O

0.1
7 . 4 105

0
7.4 105

0
7.4 105

0.1

7.4 105

7.4 105

7.4 105

+
H 3 O(aq)

A(aq)

K a=
26

K a=

( 7.4 105 )(7.4 105 )

=5.48 108
0.17.4 105

Average value of

Ka

Average K a=

for the unknown acid

5.02 108 +5.48 108

=5.25 108
2

The identification of the unknown acid

Based on the average Ka calculated, which is

5.25 108 it is closest to the Ka to KHP

6
( Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate ) which is 3.9 10

27

Percentage error

100 =98.65
3.9 106
Calculation Error=

5.25 1083.9 106

1.8

Discussion

The main target for this experiment is carried out to find the type of weak acid by
determining them with two methods. First and foremost, determining the weak acid by
comparing the calculated average acid ionization constants, K a values from the data
obtained from the titration process with the K a values of the acids which can be found in
the journals, websites or general chemistry books. Seconds method used is by
determining the value of Ka of unknown weak acid with the pH initial of the unknown
weak acid and then calculate them by using the ICE table that we had learned.
28

This experiment is dividing into two components. In part A, the titration method was
used. A titration was occured between 10 mL of weak acid with a strong base of 0.1M
sodium hyroxide, NaOH solution by using the burrete. Every 1 mL of sodium hyroxide
solution dropped, the reading of pH meter for solution in the beaker is taken out until the
sudden change occured for the pH. The pH value was recorded. After that, the titration
was repeated once again. The titration was repeated to make sure that we can get the
accurate value or reading for this experiment and reduce the percentage of error while
during this experiment. A graph for pH against volume NaOH was plotted. The main
objective to plot the graph was to obtain the equivalence point. From the graph, we can
get the volume of NaOH at equivalence point, then with that volume, we can get the pH
at half equivalence point. Then, by using the formula :

pH= p K a

p K a=log K a

K a=10 pH

We can get the value of Ka .By referring to the appendix provided, the value of K a will
bring us to the type of acid used for this experiment. For this experiment, the average
Ka is 1.0 x 10-5. When referring to the table which had been provided, the unknown acid
is Propanoic Acid, since the value of K a calculated is

1.0 10

which is closest to the

Ka of propanoic acid which is 1.3 x 10-5 .

29

In the second component, the the value of Ka of unknown weak acid also can be
determined by using the initial pH. 100 mL of the unknown weak acid solution was
added to a volumetric flask followed by 100 mL of distilled water into it.The solution was
shaked to make sure the solution mixed evenly. Then, the solution was divided into two
dry 250 mL beakers equally. The phenolphthalein was put into the one of the beaker
that contain the solution.The pH electrode was removed from the pH 7 buffer solution.
The electrode was rinsed with distilled water and the tip of the probe was dried with the
tissue.The electrode was inserted into the beaker containing the unknown acid
solution.The solution was stirred. The initial pH of the solutions was recorded after the
pH reading was stabilized. The solution that contain phenolphthalein was titrated with
NaOH solution until the pale pink observed. After that, the solution that had been titrated
with NaOH solution was mixed with the other one solution which had been prepared
before which do not contain the phenolphthalein. Then, the pH value was checked by
the pH meter. The volume of NaOH solution that had been used was discovered. The
data was recorded. The weak acid solution was decanted into the designated into the
waste container. The experiment was repeated again to get the accurate value.
By using the intial pH, we can get the value of K a for both process in this second
method. The ICE table was used to determine the K a value. After that, we need to find
the average value of Ka to make sure that the value more accurate. For this second
method, the value of Ka that we get was

5.25 108

. When referring to the table which

had been provided, the unknown acid is KHP ( Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate ), since
the value of Ka calculated is

5.25 10

which is closest to the Ka of KHP ( Potassium

Hydrogen Phthalate ), which is 3.9 x 10 -6.

For this experiment, the titrations occured by using the burette. We need to know how to
use the burette correctly. We need the control the speed of the sodium hyroxide solution
(NaOH) from the burette into the beaker that contain vineger and KHP. The rate of the
drop of sodium hydroxide need to be control as if there are any uncontrolled rate drop
30

are occured it will make the reading of pH meter will be disturbed. Besides that, during
this experiment, the pH meter must be rinsed with distilled water and keep immersing in
the distilled water to get accurate value. The magnetic stirrer should not be contacted
with the beaker. When the magnetic stirrer contacted with the beaker, the solution will
not dissolve completely. We need to stir the solution evenly so we can get the accurate
result.
After all the data are collected, the graph are plotted. From the graph, we can get the
equivalent point. For this experiment, there is very important to get the equivalent point
because at the end of calculation, we need to find the value of K a. From that value of K a,
we can get type of weak acid that had been used.
For the result, from experiment by using the method 1 that had been conducted, the
type of acid that had been discovered is Propanoic Acid. The value of K a that we get is
1.0 x 10-5. So based on the table provided, the propanic acid has the closest to the K a
that we had been discovered. For this experiment we discovered that there are some
errors during the experiment occured. By using the formula of percentage error, we
calculated that the percentage error is

Percentage error=

23.08

Experimental value Actual value

100
Actual value

1.0 10 1.3 10

100
5
1.3 10

23.08

From the experiment that had been conducted by using the second method, the type of
acid that had been discovered is Potassium hydroxide phthalate (KHP). The value of K a
31

that we get is

5.25 108

So based on the table provided, the Potassium hydroxide

phthalate (KHP) has the closest to the K a that we had been discovered. For this
experiment we discovered that there are some errors during the experiment occured. By
using the formula of percentage error, we calculated that the percentage error is 98.65
%.
Percentage error=

Experimental value Actual value

100
Actual value

5.25 1083.9 106

100
3.9 106

= 98.65 %
From the above results, it obviously showed that we have done some mistakes during
the conduction of the experiment since the unknown acid that we determined are
different for component A and component B. Supposedly that the unknown acid for both
parts are the same since the unknown acid that we used for both parts are of the same
sample. Below are the possible errors that we could have done during the experiment.
The errors for this experiment might be occured when we titrate the NaOH solution. The
rate of NaOH dropped from the burette might be difference and the volume might be not
accurately 1 mL. Then, the stirrer also might be contact with the beaker so the solution
will not stir evenly. After that, this could be due to the errors in using the pH meter.
Before starting any pH reading, the pH should be calibrated back to neutral pH 7 by
using distilled water. However, we started taking the pH reading before the pH meter
reach pH 7. Other than that, during the reading/measurement of the pH value, the pH
reading changed from time to time. We were supposed to record the reading at the
moment where the pH value starts remaining constant. However, what we did was, we
took the reading the moment we dipped the pH meter into the acid solution.

32

Generally, by comparing the two methods used in component A and component B,

based on the calculations of error done for both parts:
Component A :

Component B :

23.08

98.65

We can conclude that even using the different methods, we should get the same type of
acid for both methods. But due to the errors, the diffrent type of acid had been
determined. In a nutshell, the experiment still success and achieved the main objective
to get the value of Ka for the both methods.

33

1.9

Conclusion

Eventhough the experiment result is not same as the actual value , but we still achieved
the aim for this experiment . The results of the first part of this experiment showed that
the average Ka value for this experiment is Ka is 1.0 x 10-5. When referring to the table
which had been provided, the unknown acid is Propanoic Acid, since the value of K a
calculated is

1.0 105

which is closest to the Ka of propanoic acid which is 1.3 x 10-5

. The percentage error for this method is

23.08

Meanwhile, the results of the second part of the experiment showed that the value of Ka
that we get was

5.25 108

. When referring to the table which had been provided, the

unknown acid is KHP ( Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate ), since the value of K a

calculated is

5.25 10

which is closest to the K a of KHP ( Potassium Hydrogen

Phthalate ), which is 3.9 x 10-6. The percentage error for this method is

98.65

The higher percentage error show that some mistakes occurred during the experiment
is carried on. But, the experiment still can be completed to find the value of K a to get the
type of acid even there not the same for both method that we used. So, the aim for this
experiment had been achieved and successed.

34

1.10

Recomendations

There are few recommendations and precautios that we need to be more alert during
this experiment in order to get accurate result for the data. The precaution step that we
have to be taken while doing this experiment is the standard solution should be a
hundred percent pure and at room temperature. So, it is more preferable to used
standard material before diluting.
Secondly, in order to get more accurate result we need to make sure that the
unknown acid must fully dissolve in the water. The acid not fully dissolving in to the
water would result in a no effect pKa value because the NaOH would neutralize the
amount of the dissolved acid present only. Thirdly, rinsing and immersing the pH
electrode with distilled water to avoid the electrode mixed with other chemicals every 1
mL of NaOH dropped.
After that, the graph of the volume NaOH versus pH must be plotting smoothly to
get more accurate value of endpoint. Overshooting the endpoint would result in a higher
pKa value because the amount of base would be higher.
Then, the faulty the pH meter that are used. The pH meter that we used in the
experiment might not function well and given inaccurate data. The pH might not been so
sensetive thus make unsuitable to be used for the experiment. Therefore, we need to
make sure that the pH meter functioning well. Moreover, potential error might come from
some careless moves in transferring solutions. One might not have been calibrating
accurately. So, we need to make sure that all the solutiuon had been transferring safely.
Besides that, we need to ensure that the burette had been clean up by rinsing
the burette by using distilled water to remove all the contaminated substances. It is

35

better to carry out more than one titartion to make sure the result is more accurate so
that we can reduces the mathematical error by calculating the average .

1.12

References / Appendix
Websites

1. http://www.chemteam.info/AcidBase/Calc-Ka-from-data.html, retrieved, 2014

2. http://www.sciencegeek.net/APchemistry/APpdfs/virtualKa.pdf,retrieved, 2014
3. http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/lab_manuals/c10expt1.html retrieved, 2014
4. http://www.foothill.edu/attach/psme/holland.1astdnaohlab.pdf retrieved, 2014
5. http://web.lemoyne.edu/giunta/chm151L/vinegar.html retrieved, 2014
6. http://www.slideshare.net/wkkok1957/determination-of-concentration-ofethanoic-acid-in-vinegar-by-titration retrieved, 2014
7. http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/3719/acid-base-reaction,
retrieved, 2014

Books / Jounals
1. pH measurements with indicators. PDF Retrieved 29 September 2011.
2. Olmested, John III; Williams, Gerg; Burk,Rober C. Chemistry, 1 st Canadian
ed; John Wiley and Sons Ltd : Mississauga, Canada, 2010 pp 399-406.

36

APPENDIX
Name

Formula

Ka

pKa

acetic

HC2H3O2

1.8 x 10-5

4.7

ascorbic (I)

H2C6H6O6

7.9 x 10-5

4.1

ascorbic (II)

HC6H6O6-

1.6 x 10-12

11.8

benzoic

HC7H5O2

6.4 x 10-5

4.2

boric (I)

H3BO3

5.4 x 10-10

9.3

boric (II)

H2BO3-

1.8 x 10-13

12.7

boric (III)

HBO32-

1.6 x 10-14

13.8

carbonic (I)

H2CO3

4.5 x 10-7

6.3

carbonic (II)

HCO3-

4.7 x 10-11

10.3

citric (I)

H3C6H5O7

3.2 x 10-7

6.5

citric (II)

H2C6H5O7-

1.7 x 105

4.8

citric (III)

HC6H5O72-

4.1 x 10-7

6.4

formic

HCHO2

1.8 x 10-4

3.7

hydrazidic

HN3

1.9 x 10-5

4.7

hydrocyanic

HCN

6.2 x 10-10

9.2
37

hydrofluoric

HF

6.3 x 10-4

3.2

hydrogen peroxide

H2O2

2.4 x 10-12

11.6

hydrogen sulfate ion

HSO4-

1.2 x 10-2

1.9

hypochlorous

HOCl

3.5 x 10-8

7.5

lactic

HC3H5O3

8.3 x 10-4

3.1

nitrous

HNO2

4.0 x 10-4

3.4

oxalic (I)

H2C2O4

5.8 x 10-2

1.2

oxalic (II)

HC2O4-

6.5 x 10-5

4.2

phenol

HOC6H5

1.6 x 10-10

9.8

propanic

HC3H5O2

1.3 x 10-5

4.9

sulfurous (I)

H2SO3

1.4 x 10-2

1.85

sulfurous (II)

HSO3-

6.3 x 10-8

7.2

uric

HC5H3N4O3

1.3 x 10-4

3.9

38