Titration Sources of Error and Solution

For a thermometric practical, there are a few special types of sources of error. This will typically be a tested section that asks “While performing the thermometric titration what is a source of error?”. Be sure to name the most obvious error and this will help you to get a few more marks! 

What are the major sources of error in this experiment? 

Transcript:

“In any science practical, you always want to think about possible sources of error, and this excludes any form of human error. Rather, students are expected to conclude that it is due to something that is actually inherent in the experiment. 

Firstly, in the case of a titration practical, the experiment uses a range of apparatus that could change the results. 

Secondly, with this consideration in mind, consider what is your key measurement that you are taking. In a thermometric titration we always measure the change in temperature. Therefore, one source of error would be the loss of heat to surroundings or the exchange of heat with the surroundings. 

This leads to the conclusion that a possible key source of error is the loss of heat to surroundings in an exothermic reaction or in the scenario where you have an endothermic reaction you could say it’s the gain of heat from the surroundings. Either way is is basically transfer of heat.”

How can we improve the experiment?

Transcript: 

“To minimize the source of error is to change the equipment, and that is dependent on the apparatus that you were given. 

For example, if the apparatus that you are instructed to use was a beaker to add an analyte. Then, you can suggest a change to a styrofoam cup because a styrofoam cup is more insulated.  In this example,  it’s a better insulating material as compared to the glass of a beaker 

However, if you are already using a styrofoam cup what can be done to add further insulation?  A possible solution would be to cover the Styrofoam cup with a lid. The lid should also have  a small hole at the top for the thermometer and for the user to add the titrant too.”