Steps to Prepare a Standard Solution
- Choose the substance
- Pick a pure and stable chemical (a primary standard if possible).
- Decide the concentration and volume
- Decide how strong your solution should be and how much you need.
- Weigh the chemical
- Use an accurate balance to measure the right amount.
- Dissolve the chemical
- Put it in a container and dissolve in a small amount of distilled water.
- Transfer to a volumetric flask
- Pour the solution into a flask of the desired final volume.
- Rinse the container with water and add the rinses to the flask to avoid loss.
- Add water to the mark
- Carefully fill with water up to the calibration mark on the flask.
- Mix thoroughly
- Swirl or invert the flask several times to ensure it’s uniform.
- Label and store
- Write the chemical name, concentration, and date.
- Store in a clean, closed container.
- Standardize if needed
- If it’s not a primary standard, check its exact concentration using a known standard solution.