This analysis is designed to replicate the classic acid-base determination of an unknown titration, but using household chemicals as the standard, titrant, indicator, and unknown. Notably this analysis employs a digital scale and syringes in the place of pipettes and burettes, making this a unique gravimetric approach to acid base titrations.
The chemicals required for this analysis are:
- Cream of tartar – for the acid standard
- Powdered Turmeric root – for the indicator
- Borax or Ammonia cleaner – for the titrant
- Lemon or lime concentrate – for the unknown
As all of these chemicals are common household items waste disposal is not a concern for this lab.
The attached files are a Word and .pdf version of the lab instructions. This lab is planned for use in a quantitative analysis lab where the student is to report the concentration of their unknown acid. Modifications can easily be made to the procedure/analysis to use alternate (traditional indicators) or a range of alternate acid unknowns (e.g. vinegar, aspirin, soda, sparkling water…)
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