Determing the mass percent of chloride from a mixture of NaCl and KCl salts

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The discussion revolves around a lab experiment analyzing a mixture of NaCl and KCl using volumetric titration (Fajans and Mohr methods) and gravimetric analysis to determine the mass percent of chloride. The experimenter encountered discrepancies in results, specifically a calculated mass percent of chloride that exceeded 461%, which was clearly incorrect. Initially, the mass of the mixture was misreported as 0.1083 grams, leading to confusion in calculations. Upon clarification, the correct initial mass was identified as 1.0083 grams, aligning the results more realistically with the gravimetric analysis, which indicated a mass percent of chloride at 58.3%. This correction highlighted the importance of accurate measurements in achieving reliable results in chemical analysis.
waqaszeb
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Hi guys,

I am doing a lab experiment which involves analysis of a sample of a mixture of NaCl and KCl. I'm using volumetric titration ( Mohrs and Fajans methods) as well a Gravimetric analysis technique. The underlying idea is determine the mass percent of chloride in the same sample using different techniques to see which one is better. The mass percent of the sample, regardless of the method employed, should be similar but the results I found are extremely off. I'm not sure what I am doing wrong.

For example:

For Fajan's method:

Trial 1: 14.31 mL of silver nitrate were needed to reach equivalence point. So I determine the mass(%) chloride in the following way:

14.31 mL/ 1000 x 0.1 M Silver Nitrate = 0.00143 moles of Silver Nitrate

1:1 ratio so the moles of chloride must be equal to the moles of Ag.

moles(chloride)=0.00143 moles x 35.453 g/mol = 0.050 grams?

how is that possible, though? the initial mass of the mixture was 0.1083 grams which was used to make a 250 mL solution. I then did three trials of titration using 25 mL aliquots..each 25mL aliquot should contain 0.01083 grams of mixture...how is it that the mass of just chloride alone is more than mass of the entire mixture. (0.050/0.01083) x 100 = 461% mass. this is obviously wrong. i don't get it :S

In addition, from the gravimetric analysis procedure, I got a mass percent chloride of 58.3. That seems realistic, and I think Fajan and Mohr mass percent should be in that range..not 461% lol. Can anybody help? Thanks!
 
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waqaszeb said:
the initial mass of the mixture was 0.1083 grams

Really that low? If I am not mistaken that would mean you were aiming at using less than 2 mL of the titrant, doesn't make any sense to me.
 
Sorry, you're right. Its not 0.1083 but 1.0083 grams
 
That puts your results in the same ballpark, doesn't it?
 
Yes it does, thank you for pointing this out! wow..one whole day wasted on trying to figure out why i was so dumb..
 
waqaszeb said:
one whole day wasted on trying to figure out why i was so dumb..

Welcome to the club :wink:
 
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