- Calculate the mass of 1 mole of Sodium Carbonate by adding together the element’s relative atomic masses, which can be found on a periodic table.
- Calculate the mass of 0.1 moles of Calcium Carbonate. This is done by using the mass of 1 mole (calculated in step 1) and multiplying it by 0.1. I am finding the concentration of 0.1 as the concentration of the Sulphuric Acid is thought to be between 0.05 and 0.15 mol dm³ and 0.1 is an average of these two concentrations.
- The mass that was calculated in step 2 would make up the mass if the solution was 1000cm³, but its not as I am using 250cm³ as this the total volume of the Volumetric flask I am given. So to change this so that it will be the mass of 250cm³ divide the calculation in step 2 by four.
- Put the beaker on some scales and zero the mass. Add the Sodium Carbonate until the mass is as close to the mass calculated in step 3. As it is impossible with the equipment given to get exactly the right mass, note down the actual mass, given by the scales, to three decimal places.
- Add 100cm³ of distilled water to the weighed out Sodium Carbonate and stir until you cant see anymore Calcium Carbonate as it has all dissolved. Pour this into the 250cm³ volumetric flask and fill up to the 250cm³ line with distilled water.
- After you have done this you can find the actual concentration of the solution by using the following equation:
Moles of Sodium Carbonate in 250cm³ = Mass dissolved
Mass of 1 mole
The second half of this experiment is titration.
Method of Titration
This method will produce accurate and reliable results, which is important in this experiment. This is because I have already conducted these experiments separately and therefore have had time to change and perfect my methods.
Hazards
Sodium Carbonate
- Irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system.
If it is swallowed drink plenty of water and seek medical advice.
If it is splashed into eyes flood the eye with a gently running tap for 10 minutes and seek medical advice.
If it is split on clothes or skin remove the clothes and wash off the skin with plenty of water, soak and rinse repeatedly in water.
If it is spilt in the laboratory scoop up as much as you can and add mineral absorbent. Rinse the area of spillage and clean mop or clothe thoroughly
Sulphuric Acid
If it is swallowed, wash out mouth and give one or two glasses of water. Don’t induce vomiting. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
If it is splashed into the eye flood the eye with gently running tap water for 10 minutes. Seek medical advice
If it is spilt on clothes or skin remove the clothes quickly and wipe as much liquid as possible away with a dry clothe before drenching the area with lots of water. If a large area of skin was affected or blistering seek medical advice.
If it is spilt in the laboratory, wear eye protection and gloves and cover with mineral absorbent and scoop into a bucket. Add anhydrous sodium carbonate and leave to react. Once the reaction has occurred add lots of cold water.
