Finding indicator for acid-base titration

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on selecting an appropriate indicator for an acid-base titration involving 0.0500 mol/dm³ nitric acid and 0.0500 mol/dm³ aqueous ammonia. Participants agree that phenolphthalein is a suitable choice due to its color change at pH levels above 7, which aligns with the neutralization of ammonia, a weak base. The importance of monitoring the titration with a pH meter and identifying the inflection point pH is emphasized for accurate indicator selection. Methyl red is also mentioned as a potential alternative, depending on the pH at the equivalence point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base titration principles
  • Knowledge of pH indicators and their color change ranges
  • Familiarity with weak and strong acids and bases
  • Experience with using pH meters for titration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the pH transition range of phenolphthalein and methyl red
  • Learn how to perform titrations using a pH meter
  • Study the concept of equivalence points in acid-base reactions
  • Explore the preparation and use of pH indicator tables
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and laboratory technicians involved in acid-base titration experiments and indicator selection.

haha0p1
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Homework Statement
Suggest a suitable indicator to find the end-points of the reaction below:
0.0500 mol/dm³ nitric acid and 0.0500 mol/dm³ aqueous ammonia.
Relevant Equations
Acid + Base = Salt + Water
This question is asking about finding the indicator. I think phenolphthalein will be used as there is a reaction between strong acid and strong base. Is this approach to the question correct? Or am I missing any important concept? Kindly tell
 
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Ammonia solution is not a strong base...
What is the pH of ammonia, nitric acid and ammonium nitrate (the end product)
Check the pH that phenolphthalien changes colour at.
What colour will it show in the ammonia solution?
What colour will it show at the end point of the titration?
 
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DrJohn said:
Ammonia solution is not a strong base...
What is the pH of ammonia, nitric acid and ammonium nitrate (the end product)
Check the pH that phenolphthalien changes colour at.
What colour will it show in the ammonia solution?
What colour will it show at the end point of the titration?
Ammonia is a weak base and nitric acid is a strong acid. Will methyl red be used?
 
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haha0p1 said:
Ammonia is a weak base and nitric acid is a strong acid. Will methyl red be used?
That would depend on the pH around the equivalence point.
 
Mayhem said:
That would depend on the pH around the equivalence point.
This is a two mark question. Can you tell how we will approach questions like this one.
 
haha0p1 said:
This is a two mark question. Can you tell how we will approach questions like this one.
So this is a homework question. How do you like this idea: Try to perform a titration of a strong acid with ammonia solution. Monitor the entire titration with a pH meter. Find the inflection point pH. Making a graph might be needed. Now find a table of pH indicators and choose an indicator which has a color transition as near to the pH inflection point found, as you can find.
 
haha0p1 said:
Homework Statement:: Suggest a suitable indicator to find the end-points of the reaction below:
0.0500 mol/dm³ nitric acid and 0.0500 mol/dm³ aqueous ammonia.
Relevant Equations:: Acid + Base = Salt + Water

This question is asking about finding the indicator. I think phenolphthalein will be used as there is a reaction between strong acid and strong base. Is this approach to the question correct? Or am I missing any important concept? Kindly tell
I could use some correction in case my thinking is wrong, but I would tend to agree here, to use phenolphthalein. Color change is at pH above 7 (but I not sure; I should really look-up this information). Full neutralization of ammonia would be at something above pH 7.
 

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