NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1458718
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Feb
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: EISSN-1938-1328
Available Date: N/A
Modernizing Titrations in the Undergraduate Laboratory: No More Burets and End Point Confusion, Just a Top-Loading Balance and a Smartphone
Edward Larkin; Daniel Ahn; Nakyeong Ahn; Fatima Alzarooni; Yasmine Busaibe; Seon Yeong Cho; Seoyoung Lee; Batool Madani; Jieon Mun; Kevin Quiro´s-Canales; Nadia Rabeh; Zain Raef; Yu Shen; Marilena Shupac; Adrian Villanueva; Spiros A. Pergantis
Journal of Chemical Education, v101 n2 p438-447 2024
This study introduces a modernized approach to classical volumetric titrations for the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Leveraging smartphones and digital top-loading balances, we performed mass-based titrations and determined end points using digital color measurements. Our aim was to make classical wet chemistry more accessible and engaging for students. Our approach will also enable color-blind and visually impaired students to actively engage in routine laboratory procedures, such as titrations, and perform equally as well as their peers. Traditionally, titrations have relied upon manual visual detection of indicator color changes, some of which can be challenging for inexperienced students. This study used a complexometric titration with EDTA as the titrant and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) as the indicator to determine the hardness of water samples. Students used their phones/tablets to capture images of the titration process/progress, and the color digitization application(app) converted the color of the solution to red, green, and blue(RGB) values. These values were used to plot the titration curve, obtain the first and second derivatives, and determine the end point. The study demonstrated the approach was effective in determining water hardness. It showed good reproducibility and accuracy compared to the classical volumetric titrations, reducing the need for a continuous stock of glass burets. The method has the potential for broader applications and could easily be adapted for fieldwork, making it invaluable for Citizen Science type projects. The study highlights the growing role of smartphones in science education and analysis. Such technology can allow students the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice and encourage creativity in experimental design.
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A