Graviemertic analysis of Shulphate content on Fertiliser

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The discussion revolves around a practical experiment for determining sulfate levels in fertilizer through gravimetric analysis. Key steps include grinding the fertilizer, dissolving it in distilled water, and filtering the mixture. Hydrochloric acid is added to the filtrate to prevent the precipitation of barium sulfate from unreacted sulfate ions, ensuring accurate results. The concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO3) for testing chloride ions is suggested to be around 1 M. The importance of maintaining a low pH is highlighted, as it can influence the co-precipitation of barium sulfate with other substances, which could affect the accuracy of the results. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate their understanding and problem-solving attempts to receive assistance, adhering to forum guidelines.
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Hey guys, the following prac is being carried out for a major Year 12 Assignment:

Prac - Gravimetric determination of sulfate in fertiliser

1. Finely grind a small quantity of fertiliser using a motar and pestle. Accurately weight around 1.0g of the ground fertiliser in a 100ml beaker. Record the mass and the brand of fertiliser.

2. Add 50ml of distilled water and stir to dissolve as much of the fertiliser sample as possible. Filter the mixture into a 600ml beaker, washing the residue several times using distilled water

3. Add about 3ml of 2M hydrochloric acid to the filtrate and add more water so that the total volume is about 200ml. Boil the solution

4. Slowly add 15ml of 0.5M barium chloride solution from a burette to the hot solution. A white precipitate will form. Stir continuously.

5. Boil the mixture for a further minute. Remove it form the heat and allow the precipitate to settle. Ensure that no sulfate ions remain in the solution by adding several drops of barium chloride solution. If more precipitate forms, add a further 3ml of barium chloride solution and test again for unreacted sulfate ions.

6. Weigh in a clean, dry filter paper.

7. Place the filter paper in the funnel and collect the precipitate in the filter paper. use about 10ml of distilled water to wash any precipitate remaining in the beaker into the filter paper.

8. Collect the last drops of filtrate in a 100ml beaker and test for chloride ions by adding a few drops of silver nitrate solution to filtrate. If the solution becomes cloudy, wash the precipitate with a further 10ml of warm water and repeat the test

9. Allow filter paper and filtrated to dry

10. Weigh filter paper and filtrated and determine the mass of the residue.
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I have a couple of questions:
1. Why do you have to add the Hydrochloric acid to the filtrate in the first place? What's the point of adding it?
2. It doesn't state any concentration of AgNO3, would anyone suggest how i could find an appropriate concentration for this?
 
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Are these your questions, or questions being part of the prelab quizz/report?

You have to show your attempts at solving the question to receive help. This is a forum policy.
 
No, no, these are just my questions, there's no questions on the sheet about. In-fact i told my teacher about it and she said to use sites like these.
 
1 M AgNO3 will do.

As for low pH - think what substances can coprecipitate with barium sulfate.
 
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