The basic principles of volumetric analysis are simple ideas that guide how titrations are done to find the concentration of a substance.
- Chemical reaction:
- The titration is based on a known chemical reaction between the analyte (unknown solution) and the titrant (solution of known concentration).
- The reaction should be fast, complete, and definite.
- Stoichiometry:
- The amount of reactant used is calculated using the molar ratio from the balanced chemical equation.
- This allows determination of the concentration of the unknown solution.
- Accurate measurement of volume:
- Precise volumes of the titrant and analyte are measured using burettes, pipettes, and volumetric flasks.
- Detection of end point:
- An indicator or instrumental method is used to detect when the reaction is complete (end point).
- Standard solution:
- The titrant must be a solution of known concentration, called a standard solution.
- It can be primary standard (highly pure and stable) or secondary standard (standardized against a primary standard).
In short:
Volumetric analysis works on a known chemical reaction, accurate measurement of volume, stoichiometry, and detecting the end point to find the concentration of an unknown solution.