To determine the concentration of an acid, a titration is performed using a base of known concentration.

In a titration, you conduct a controlled chemical reaction to ascertain the concentration of an unknown solution, which, in this instance, is an acid. The first step involves measuring a specific volume of the acid with a pipette and transferring it to a conical flask. To this solution, you add a few drops of a suitable indicator, such as phenolphthalein, which will change color at the endpoint of the reaction.

Next, you fill a burette with the base, referred to as the titrant, which has a known concentration. You then slowly add the titrant to the acid while continuously stirring the mixture. The base reacts with the acid to produce water and a salt in a process called neutralization.

The indicator will change color when all the acid has reacted with the base, signaling the endpoint of the titration. At this point, you should record the volume of the base used to reach this endpoint.

The concentration of the acid can be calculated using the following formula:

$\text{Concentration of Acid} = \frac{\text{Concentration of Base} \times \text{Volume of Base}}{\text{Volume of Acid}}$

This calculation is grounded in the principle of conservation of mass during a chemical reaction, which states that the number of moles of reactants equals the number of moles of products.

It is essential to prioritize safety while conducting a titration. Always wear safety goggles and a lab coat to protect your eyes and clothing from potential spills. Additionally, handle both the acid and base with caution, as they can be corrosive.

In summary, titration is a precise and effective method for determining the concentration of an acid. This process involves the careful addition of a base of known concentration to the acid until neutralization occurs, as indicated by a color change. The volume of base used allows for the calculation of the acid’s concentration.