Chemistry: Ksp calculation confusion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the Ksp value for calcium hydroxide from experimental data involving titration with EDTA. The user calculated the concentration of Ca^2+ and OH^- ions, leading to a Ksp value significantly different from the textbook value. Responses indicate that the method used for determining the total concentration of calcium is flawed, as a portion of Ca^2+ exists as a CaOH- complex, which does not contribute to Ksp. The lab design may have led to inaccurate results, as other students experienced similar discrepancies. Ultimately, the method's limitations hinder accurate Ksp determination despite the user achieving a high grade.
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Homework Statement


I have to calculate the Ksp value for calcium hydroxide from experimental data. We titrated 10.00 mL of saturated Ca(OH)2 aqueous solution with 11.00 mL of 0.01607 M EDTA.


Homework Equations



The Ksp formula is given in my manual as [Ca^2+]*[OH^-]^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the # of moles of EDTA by multiplying molarity by liters = 0.0001768 mol.

Since the stoichiometric ratio of Ca^2+ to EDTA is 1:1, 0.0001768 mol of ca^2+ have been titrated.

Now I divided that by 0.010 L to get the [Ca^2+] = 0.01768 M

I got the OH^- concentration by multiplying 0.01768 x 2 = 0.03535 M.

Using the above formula, [001768]*[0.3535]^2 = 2.209*10^-5

Herein is the problem: my book gives the Ksp as 8.0*10^-6. So my result is pretty far off, giving me a percent error of 176%. Am I doing something wrong? Did I lose a zero somewhere or is my experimental data flawed?
 
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Your calculations look OK to me. Doesn't mean your titration was right - unless I am mistaken it gives solubility of 0.13 g per 100 mL of the solution, while it should be closer to 0.17 g/100 mL at the room temperature.

Determining total concentration of calcium in the solution is not a good method of Ksp determination. Substantial part of Ca2+ is in the form of a CaOH- complex - while this calcium will get complexed by EDTA, it is not directly involved in Ksp. That's not something you can do anything about using the method you are using.
 
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(Sorry for the super late reply)
You're right, that's a terrible way of getting Ksp. All my classmates got equally far-off results, but there wasn't anything to be done about it the way the lab was designed. Still, I got an A, so go figure. :)
 
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