DETERMINATION OF MOLAR CONCENTRATION OF SILVER ION USING

TITRATION AND POTENTIOMETRY

Dela Cruz, Myrnadeth M.; Hermogeno, Stephanie Jane M.; Lubao, Bea Irish M.;
Sy, Elaine I.; Yana, Ma. Regina T.

Department of Physical Sciences
College of Science
Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila


Abstract
The experiment aimed to know the spontaneity of reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions
based on standard reduction potential. It also aimed to know and understand the processes and
elements of an electrochemical cell. The potential of electrochemical cell is measured under
static conditions because no current flows while measuring a solutions potential, its composition
remains unchanged.
Different half-cells were prepared and connected to copper, which served as the reference
electrode, to set up a voltaic cell. The volt-meter readings of the set-ups were then used to
calculate for the standard reduction potentials of the variable half-cells.
The results obtained indicates the spontaneity of the redox reactions investigated,
showing that the least spontaneous system is that connected to another copper half- while the
most spontaneous system is that connected to the Zinc half-cell.
Keywords: redox reaction, standard reduction potential, half-cell

Introduction:
Potentiometric titration involves the measurement of the potential of a suitable indicator
electrode with respect to a reference electrode as a function of titrant volume. Potentiometric
titrations provide more reliable data than data from titrations that use chemical indicators and are
particularly useful with colored or turbid solutions and for detecting the presence of unsuspected
species.
A typical set up for potentiometric titrations is given in Figure 1. Titration involves
measuring and recording the cell potential (in units of millivolts or pH) after each addition of
titrant. The titrant is added in large increments at the outset and in smaller and smaller
increments as the end point is approached (as indicated by larger changes in response per unit
volume). Sufficient time must be allowed for the attainment of equilibrium after each addition of
the reagent by continuous stirring. For this a magnetic stirrer with a stirring magnet bar is used.
Potentiometric titrations can be classified as precipitation titrations, complex formation
titrations, neutralization titrations and oxidation/reduction titrations.

Objectives:
The main objectives of the experiment are to (1) relate and apply the concepts of
electrochemistry to actual experiments, (2)understand the concept of direct potentiometry, (3)
understand the basic operation of a pH electrode, (4) become familiar with the types of indicator
electrodes used in potentiometry.

Methodology:
In determining the molar concentration of silver ion, hydrochloric acid was standardized
to 0.05 M, and it was used as the titrant. On the other hand, copper wire was immersed at the
syringe, with cellulose acetate at the bottom, containing 1 M of copper sulfate solution. The
syringe and a carbon rod were immersed at the beaker containing the saturated silver sulfate.
Furthermore, the wires of the voltmeter were connected at the copper wire and the carbon rod.
Then titrate with magnetic stirrer using the hydrochloric acid as the titrant and the saturated
silver sulfate as the analyte. Finally, record the electrode potential of the sample per 1 ml.
Fig. 1: The Experimental Set-up