Titration is a laboratory technique used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution by reacting it with a solution of known concentration.
In simple terms, it’s like a “controlled chemical experiment” where you slowly add one solution to another until a reaction is complete, which is often indicated by a color change (using an indicator) or by reaching a certain electrical measurement.
Key points:
- Titrant – the solution of known concentration that is added.
- Analyte – the solution of unknown concentration that reacts with the titrant.
- Endpoint – the point at which the reaction is complete (often shown by an indicator).
- Equivalence point – the exact point where the amount of titrant exactly reacts with the analyte (theoretical completion of reaction).
Titration is commonly used in chemistry, biology, and food science to measure acidity, alkalinity, or concentration of substances.