Methodology

A. Solution Preparation
Six (6) 50-mL volumetric flasks were prepared and labeled as A to F which were allotted
for different methanol solution concentrations with mole fractions of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8,
and, 1 respectively. Then the flasks, together with the covers, were weighed. Before the
experiment was conducted, calculation of required volume of methanol was done using the
following formula:

𝜌𝑀
𝑉𝑀 𝑀𝑊
𝑀
𝑋= 𝜌𝑀 𝜌𝑤
𝑉𝑀 𝑀𝑊 + 𝑉𝑊 𝑀𝑊
𝑀 𝑊

Where:
𝑋= mole fraction of methanol
𝑉𝑀 = volume of methanol required
𝜌𝑀 = density of methanol
𝑀𝑊𝑀 = molecular weight of methanol
𝑉𝑊 = volume of water required
𝜌𝑤 =density of water
𝑀𝑊𝑊 = molecular weight of water

These computations were followed, thereby corresponding volumes of methanol

were measured using a 10-mL pipette and were transferred into each of the labeled flasks.
After that, these covered flasks were weighed and their masses were recorded accordingly.
Next, distilled water was added until the 50-mL mark of the flasks were reached. These
flasks were weighed again and their masses were also recorded. The actual mixture mole
fractions of the solutions were recalculated using the masses recorded previously. The
volumetric flasks were then placed in a tap water bath at room temperature.

B. Determination of Molar Volume

First, the pycnometers to be used were dried and weighed. Their masses were also recorded.
Second, the solution from flask A was transferred to one of the pycnometers and was
secured by inserting the cover, making sure that there were no spaces left in the capillary
space. It was then placed in a tap water bath for five (5) minutes. After that, the external
surface of the pycnometer was dried using tissue paper and was then weighed. Its mass was
recorded accordingly. The process for the same solution was done thrice. Similar
procedures were also done for the other five (5) solutions. Lastly, the solutions used were
 disposed to proper waste jars. Tissue papers and labelling tapes were thrown in the solid
waste container.

C. Wet Bulb Temperature Determination

Wet bulb temperature was determined by using a thermometer with wet cotton at its bulb.
The thermometer was swung for 10 seconds. Temperature was recorded and the process
was repeated thrice.

Conclusion

The plot of molar volume versus mole fraction of methanol using the experimental data was shown
by Figure 1. The R-squared value obtained from the third-degree polynomial fit was 0.9981. The
equation was used because it can be differentiated easily, since derivatives were needed to
determine the partial volume of methanol and water in each solution. Comparison of experimental
values to available literature values was also performed as shown by Table 4. Results yielded
experimental values that generally agree with the literature value. Maximum percent deviations of
the partial molar volume of methanol, water, and the molar volume of the solution are 9.9743%,
10.2526%, and 1.7671%, respectively.
One source of error can be the excess moisture inside the pycnometer and unwanted moisture from
the atmosphere during weighing. Other sources of errors include volatilization which causes loss
of methanol in the solution and instrument limitations.

For more accuracy, it is recommended that pycnometers are handled with tissue papers or any
material that can prevent added unwanted moisture. Furthermore, other modifications to this study
can be conducted, including the measurement of the partial molar volume at infinite dilution of the
water-methanol system.

Abstract

This experiment aims to determine the partial molar volume of methanol-water solutions using
pycnometers. Six (6) methanol-water solutions with varying methanol molar concentrations were
prepared and weighed. Using the experimental values, a plot of molar volume against mole fraction
of methanol was generated. From this plot, the partial molar volumes of methanol and water were
obtained. Results show that the experimental values are close to the literature values. Maximum
deviations for the methanol, water, and solution partial molar volume are 9.9743%, 10.2526%, and
1.7671%, respectively.