FACULTY OF RESOURCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
STK 1201- PRACTICAL PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 1

EXPERIMENT NO.: EXPERIMENT 1

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT: GLASSWARE CALIBRATION

DATE OF EXPERIMENT

30/ 09/ 2016

GROUP MEMBERS& MATRIC

NUMBER

YEO YIT JUAN (58338)

THIEN AI HUA (58159)
YANG XUE YEE (58323)

LAB FACILITATOR

CHONG WAN HONG

REPORT DUE DATE

14/ 10/ 2015

INTRODUCTION
The definition of volumetric calibration is the process of correcting or setting the
volumetric glassware. Generally, the volumetric glassware will be calibrated first before
commercialize in order to ensure that they produce accurate and precise readings. Unfortunately,
it is never safe to assume that the volume given by the volumetric glassware indicate the exact
value at calibration mark. (Volumetric Glass Calibration, 2009)
Besides, any of the glass containers which have the ability to measure volume accurately
can be considered as volumetric glassware. In this experiment, the volumetric glassware that we
use are volumetric flask, pipette and burette for the purpose of calibration. The volumetric
glassware is usually made to specification limits, particularly with regards to the accuracy of
calibration. We are required to calibrate the volumetric glassware that we used in this experiment
to ensure that they are accurate and within its specified tolerance. With the used of distilled water
and an accurate balance, the calibration of laboratory glassware can be carried out. Based on
Table 1.1, the density of water can be identified after the temperature of distilled water is
measured. Consequently, the volume contained in or delivered by a piece of glassware may be
accurately determined using equation as shown below:
=

m
V

, where = the density of water

m = the mass of water transferred
v = the actual volume of the water transferred

Volumetric flask has a long neck with a fill line on the neck for accurate measure. A
volumetric flask is glassware used in laboratories for measuring volume in the preparation of
solution. It is calibrated to contain an exact volume of solution when the solution level is exactly
at the mark on the neck of flask. Bear in mind that the bottom of the meniscus should lie exactly
on the calibration mark.
Furthermore, pipette is a type of chemical dropper used in laboratory experiment to
measure and transport fixed volume of solution from one container to another. There are several
designs of pipettes which are performing the same function. Volumetric pipette is more accurate
as compared to Mohr pipette (graduated pipette). This is due to volumetric pipette has only one
calibration mark while Mohr pipette has graduated marks throughout the length of the pipette.
2

One of the easiest ways to calibrate pipette is initially overshoot the mark and then let the liquid
drain from the pipette until the bottom of the meniscus lies exactly on the calibration mark.
Lastly, burette is a narrow, hollow and cylindrical tube labelled with graduation marks and
equipped with a regulating device for a purpose to control the flow of liquid from the tip
(Macaulay, Bauer and Bloomfield, 2011). Burette is used to delivered volumes of liquid that
cannot be measured by volumetric pipette or micropipettors accurately. Before dispensing liquid,
we should top the sides of the tip to get rid of the air bubbles because the presence of air bubbles
might cause the reading to be inaccurate. The proper use of burette is essential for accurate
titration analysis.

OBJECTIVE
1.
To determine the accuracy and precision of some commonly used volumetric glassware
namely volumetric pipette, burette and volumetric flask.
2.
To deepen our understanding on the importance of accuracy and precision to measure
specific volumes of solution.
3.

To calculate the average volume of water transferred and standard deviation.

Reagents
Distilled water

Apparatus
Volumetric pipette
Burette
Beaker
Volumetric flask.

PROCEDURES
The water temperature to the nearest C is recorded using the thermometer. The density of water
at various temperatures is summarized on the table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Density of water at various temperatures
Temperature (C)
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
A. Pipette calibration

Density (g/mL)
0.998203
0.997992
0.997770
0.997538
0.997296
0.997044
0.996783
0.996512
0.996232
0.995944
0.995646

1. A volumetric pipette is selected to calibrate.

2. A small empty beaker is placed on the analytical balance and the balance is tared.
3. The pipette is filled to the calibration mark with distilled water and the water is drained
into the beaker on the balance. The mass of water transferred is recorded.
4. The balance is tared and the procedure is repeated twice.
5. The water volumes from the masses recorded is calculated.
B. Burette calibration
1. The burette is filled with distilled water and any air bubbles out of the tip are forced out.
The meniscus is adjusted to be between 0.00 and 1.00 mL, the burette tip is touched to a
beaker to remove the suspended drop of water. The burette is allowed to stand for 5
minutes. The initial reading of the burette is recorded.
2. A clean and dry Erlenmeyer flask is weighed and the mass is recorded to the nearest
0.0001g.
3. 5mL of distilled water is drained nominally into the weighed Erlenmeyer flask. The film
of liquid on the walls is allowed to descend about 30 seconds before the reading of the
burette is recorded.
4. The flask is weighed again to determine the mass of water delivered.
5

5. The process is repeated for 2 more times.

6. The procedure for 10 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL and 25 mL is repeated.
7. The density information is used to determine the true volume of water delivered.
C. Volumetric flask calibration
1.
2.
3.
4.

A dry and clean volumetric flask is selected to calibrate.

The mass of the empty, dry volumetric flask with stopper is recorded.
The volumetric flask is filled to the mark with distilled water and the mass is recorded.
The procedure is repeated twice and the actual volume of distilled water contained is
recorded.

RESULTS
A. Pipette
Water temperature, t (C)
Mass of empty beaker (g)
Mass of beaker with distilled water (g)
Apparent mass of water transferred (g)
True mass of water transferred (g)
Apparent mass refers to the measurement
under vacuum condition. The density of
air is 0.0012 g/mL. Therefore, the mass
of air displaced in the water transferred is
0.0012 times the volume of water
transferred. The calculated mass of air
displaced has to be added to the apparent
mass to give true mass of water.
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Average volume of water transferred
(mL) standard deviation

Trial 1
28
96.4863
116.2939
19.8076
19.8314

Trial 2
28
96.4860
116.3392
19.8532
19.8770

Trial 3
28
96.4857
116.3434
19.8577
19.8815

0.996232
19.9064

0.996232
19.9522
19.93840.02783

0.996232
19.9567

B. Burette Calibration
5 mL
Water temperature, t (C)
Initial reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Final reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Nominal volume of water transferred (mL)
Mass of empty Erlenmeyer flask (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with water (g)
Apparent mass of water (g)
True mass of water (g)
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Correction of nominal (labeled) volume (mL)
Average volume of water transferred (mL)
standard deviation

Trial 1
28
0.00
5.00
5.00
50.3800
55.3564
4.9764
4.9824
0.996232
5.0012
0.0012

Trial 2
28
5.00
10.00
5.00
50.3808
55.4445
5.0637
5.0698
0.996232
5.0890
0.0890
5.17310.2260

Trial 3
28
10.00
15.10
5.10
50.3810
55.7831
5.4021
5.4086
0.996232
5.4291
0.3291

10 mL
Water temperature, t (C)
Initial reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Final reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Nominal volume of water transferred (mL)
Mass of empty Erlenmeyer flask (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with water (g)
Apparent mass of water (g)
True mass of water (g)
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Correction of nominal (labeled) volume (mL)
Average volume of water transferred (mL)
standard deviation

Trial 1
28
15.10
25.20
10.10
50.3804
60.6227
10.2423
10.2546
0.996232
10.2934
0.1934

Trial 2
28
25.20
35.20
10.00
50.3803
60.3620
9.9817
9.9937
0.996232
10.0315
0.0315
10.15350.1319

Trial 3
28
35.20
45.20
10.00
50.3809
60.4662
10.0853
10.0974
0.996232
10.1356
0.1356

15 mL
Water temperature, t (C)
Initial reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Final reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Nominal volume of water transferred (mL)
Mass of empty Erlenmeyer flask (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with water (g)
Apparent mass of water (g)
True mass of water (g)
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Correction of nominal (labeled) volume (mL)
Average volume of water transferred (mL)
standard deviation

Trial 1
28
0.00
15.00
15.00
50.3809
65.4130
15.0321
15.0501
0.996232
15.1070
0.1070

Trial 2
28
15.00
30.00
15.00
50.3808
65.3230
14.9422
14.9601
0.996232
15.0167
0.0167
15.10420.08608

Trial 3
28
30.00
45.00
15.00
50.3804
65.4939
15.1135
15.1316
0.996232
15.1888
0.1888

20 mL
Water temperature, t (C)
Initial reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Final reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Nominal volume of water transferred (mL)
Mass of empty Erlenmeyer flask (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with water (g)
Apparent mass of water (g)
True mass of water (g)
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Correction of nominal (labeled) volume (mL)
Average volume of water transferred (mL)
standard deviation

Trial 1
28
0.00
20.00
20.00
50.3804
70.5177
20.1373
20.1615
0.996232
20.2378
0.2378

Trial 2
28
20.00
40.00
20.00
50.3803
70.3230
19.9427
19.9666
0.996232
20.0421
0.0421
20.22540.1774

Trial 3
28
10.00
30.00
20.00
50.3805
70.6755
20.2950
20.3194
0.996232
20.3963
0.3963

25 mL
Water temperature, t (C)
Initial reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Final reading of burette (to 0.01 mL)
Nominal volume of water transferred (mL)
Mass of empty Erlenmeyer flask (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with water (g)
Apparent mass of water (g)
True mass of water (g)
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Correction of nominal (labeled) volume (mL)
Average volume of water transferred (mL)
standard deviation

Trial 1
28
0.00
25.00
25.00
50.3795
75.4403
25.0608
25.0909
0.996232
25.1858
0.1858

Trial 2
28
25.00
50.00
25.00
50.3796
75.5139
25.1343
25.1645
0.996232
25.2597
0.2597
25.23430.04205

Trial 3
28
25.00
50.00
25.00
50.3795
75.5116
25.1321
25.1623
0.996232
25.2575
0.2575

C. Volumetric flask calibration

Water temperature, t (C)
Mass of empty volumetric flask (g)
Mass of volumetric flask with distilled
water (g)
Apparent mass of water (g)
True mass of water (g)
Density of water at t C (g/mL)
Actual volume of water transferred (mL)
Average volume of water transferred (mL)
standard deviation

Trial 1
28.0
59.8533
158.9380

Trial 2
28.0
59.8534
159.0762

Trial 3
28.0
59.8532
159.1699

99.0847
99.2036
0.996232
99.5788

99.2228
99.3419
0.996232
99.7176
99.70280.1173

99.3167
99.4359
0.996232
99.8120

10

CALCULATION
Apparent mass of water transfer (g) = Mass of beaker with distilled water (g) - mass of empty
beaker (g)
True mass of water transfer (g) = (0.0012 apparent mass of water)+ Apparent mass of water
transferred
=

m
v

V=

m
p

Actual volume of water transferred (mL) =

Average volume of water transferred (mL) =

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer(g)

Total volume of water transferred (mL)

3

Standard deviation

Where x= Actual volume of water transfer (mL)

x= Average volume of water transferred (mL)
A) Pipette Calibration
11

Apparent mass of water

transferred (g)

Trial 1
116.2939-96.4863
= 19.8076

Trial 2
116.3392-96.4860
=19.8532

Trial 3
116.3434-96.4857
=19.8577

(0.001219.8076)
+ 19.8076
= 19.8314

(0.001219.8532)
+ 19.8532
= 19.8770

(0.001219.8577)
+ 19.8577
= 19.8815

Mass of beaker with distilled

water(g)- mass of empty(g)
True mass of water transferred
(g)
(0.0012 apparent mass of
water)+ Apparent mass of water
transferred
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)=

19.8314
0.996232

19.8770
0.996232

= 19.9064

= 19.9522

19.8815
0.996232
=19.9567

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Standard deviation, s

x=

(19.9064+19.9522+19.9567)
3

= 19.9384
s2= (19.9064-19.9384)2+ (19.9522-19.9384)2+(19.956719.9384)2/ 3-1
=7.7466510-4
s= 7.74665 104
= 0.02783
Average volume of water
transferred (mL) standard
deviation

19.93840.02783

12

B) Burette Calibration
5mL
Nominal volume of water
transferred (mL)

Trial 1
5.00-0.00
= 5.00

Trial 2
10.00-5.00
= 5.00

Trial 3
15.10-10.00
=5.10

55.3564-50.3800
= 4.9764

55.4445-50.3808
= 5.0637

55.7831-50.3810
= 5.4021

Final reading of burette -Initial

reading of burette
Apparent mass of water transferred
(g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with
water (g)- Mass of empty
Erlenmeyer flask (g)
True mass of water transferred (g)
(0.0012 apparent mass of water)+
Apparent mass of water transferred
Actual volume of water transferred
(mL)
Actual volume of water transferred
(mL)=

(0.00124.9764)+ (0.00125.0637)+ (0.00125.4021)+

4.9764
5.0637
5.4021
=4.9824
=5.0698
=5.4086

4.9824
0.996232

5.0698
0.996232

5.4086
0.996232

= 5.0012

= 5.0890

= 5.4291

5.0012-5.00
= 0.0012

5.0890-5.00
= 0.0890

5.4291-5.00
=0.4291

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Correction of nominal (labelled)

volume (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred-Nominal volume of
water transferred

13

Standard deviation, s

x=

(5.0012+5.0890+5.4291)
3

= 5.1731
s2= (5.0012-5.1731)2+ (5.0890-5.1731)2+(5.42915.1731)2/ 3-1
=0.05107
s= 0.05107
= 0.2260
Average volume of water
transferred (mL) standard
deviation
10mL
Nominal volume of water
transferred (mL)

5.17310.2260

Trial 1
25.20-15.10
=10.10

Trial 2
35.20-25.20
=10.00

Trial 3
45.20-35.20
=10.00

60.6227-50.3804
=10.2423

60.3620-50.3803
=9.9817

60.4662-50.3809
=10.0853

(0.001210.2423)
+ 10.2423
=10.2546

(0.001210.2423)
+ 10.2423
=9.9937

(0.001210.2423)
+ 10.2423
=10.0974

Final reading of burette -Initial

reading of burette
Apparent mass of water
transferred (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with
water (g)- Mass of empty
Erlenmeyer flask (g)
True mass of water transferred
(g)
(0.0012 apparent mass of
water)+ Apparent mass of water
transferred
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)=

10.2546
0.996232
=10.2934

9.9937
0.996232
=10.0315

14

10.0974
0.996232
=10.1356

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Correction of nominal (labeled)

volume (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred-Nominal volume of
water transferred
Standard deviation, s

10.2934-10.10
=0.1934

x=

10.0315-10.00
=0.0315

10.1356-10.00
=0.1356

(10.2934+10.0315+10.1356)
3

= 10.1535
s2= (10.2934-10.1535)2+ (10.0315-10.1535)2+(10.135610.1535)2/ 3-1
=0.01739
s= 0.01739
= 0.1319
Average volume of water
transferred (mL) standard
deviation
15mL
Nominal volume of water
transferred (mL)

10.15350.1319

Trial 1
15.00-0.00
=15.00

Trial 2
30.00-15.00
=15.00

Trial 3
45.00-30.00
=15.00

65.4130-50.3809
= 15.0321

65.3230-50.3808
=14.9422

65.4939-50.3804
=15.1135

Final reading of burette -Initial

reading of burette
Apparent mass of water
transferred (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with
water (g)- Mass of empty
Erlenmeyer flask (g)
15

True mass of water transferred

(g)

(0.001215.0321)
+ 15.0321
=15.0501

(0.001214.9422)
+ 14.9422
=14.9601

(0.001215.1135)+
15.1135
=15.1316

(0.0012 apparent mass of

water)+ Apparent mass of water
transferred
15.0501
0.996232

Actual volume of water

transferred (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)=

14.9601
0.996232

15.1316
0.996232

=15.1070

=15.0167

=15.1888

15.1070-15.00
= 0.1070

15.0167-15.00
= 0.0167

15.1888-15.00
= 0.1888

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Correction of nominal (labeled)

volume (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred-Nominal volume of
water transferred
Standard deviation, s

x=

(15.1070+15.0167+15.1888)
3

= 15.1042
s2= (15.1070-15.1042)2+ (15.0167-15.1042)2+(15.188815.1042)2/ 3-1
=7.410610-3
s= 7.4106 103
= 0.08608
Average volume of water
transferred (mL) standard
deviation
20mL

15.10420.08608

Trial 1
16

Trial 2

Trial 3

Nominal volume of water

transferred (mL)

20.00-0.00
=20.00

40.00-20.00
=20.00

30.00-10.00
=20.00

70.5177-50.3804
=20.1373

70.3230-50.3803
=19.9427

70.6755-50.3805
=20.2950

(0.001220.1373)
+ 20.1373
=20.1615

(0.001220.1373)
+ 20.1373
=19.9666

(0.001220.1373)
+ 20.1373
=20.3194

Final reading of burette -Initial

reading of burette
Apparent mass of water
transferred (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with
water (g)- Mass of empty
Erlenmeyer flask (g)
True mass of water transferred
(g)
(0.0012 apparent mass of
water)+ Apparent mass of water
transferred
20.1615
0.996232

Actual volume of water

transferred (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)=

19.9666
0.996232

20.3194
0.996232

=20.2378

=20.0421

=20.3963

20.2378-20.00
=0.2378

20.0421-20.00
=0.0421

20.3963-20.00
=0.3963

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Correction of nominal (labeled)

volume (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred-Nominal volume of
water transferred
Standard deviation, s

x=

(20.2378+20.0421+20.3963)
3
17

= 20.2254
s2= (20.2378-20.2254)2+ (20.0421-20.2254)2+(20.396320.2254)2/ 3-1
=0.03148
s= 0.03148
= 0.1774
Average volume of water
transferred (mL) standard
deviation
25mL
Nominal volume of water
transferred (mL)

20.22540.1774

Trial 1
25.00-0.00
=25.00

Trial 2
50.00-25.00
=25.00

Trial 3
50.00-25.00
=25.00

75.4403-50.3795
=25.0608

75.5139-50.3796
=25.1343

75.5116-50.3795
=25.1321

(0.001225.0608)
+ 25.0608
=25.0909

(0.001225.0608)
+ 25.0608
=25.1645

(0.001225.0608)
+ 25.0608
=25.1623

Final reading of burette -Initial

reading of burette
Apparent mass of water
transferred (g)
Mass of Erlenmeyer flask with
water (g)- Mass of empty
Erlenmeyer flask (g)
True mass of water transferred
(g)
(0.0012 apparent mass of
water)+ Apparent mass of water
transferred
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred (mL)=

25.0909
0.996232
=25.1858

25.1645
0.996232
=25.2597

18

25.1623
0.996232
=25.2575

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Correction of nominal (labeled)

volume (mL)
Actual volume of water
transferred-Nominal volume of
water transferred
Standard deviation, s

25.1858-25.00
=0.1858

x=

25.2597-25.00
=0.2597

25.2575-25.00
=0.2575

(25.1858+25.2597+25.2575)
3

= 25.2343
s2= (25.1858-25.2343)2+ (25.2597-25.2343)2+(25.257525.2343)2/ 3-1
=1.767810-3
s= 1.7678 103
= 0.02405
Average volume of water
transferred (mL) standard
deviation

25.23430.04205

19

C. Volumetric flask calibration

Apparent mass of water transferred
(g)

Trial 1
158.9380-59.8533
=99.0847

Trial 2
159.0762-59.8534
=99.2228

Trial 3
159.1699-59.8532
=99.3167

(0.001299.0847)
+ 99.0847
=99.2036

(0.001299.0847)
+ 99.0847
=99.3419

(0.001299.0847)
+ 99.0847
=99.4359

Mass of volumetric flask with

distilled water (g)- Mass of empty
volumetric flask (g)
True mass of water transferred (g)
(0.0012 apparent mass of water)+
Apparent mass of water transferred
Actual volume of water transferred
(mL)
Actual volume of water transferred
(mL)=

99.2036
0.996232
= 99.5788

99.3419
0.996232
= 99.7176

99.4359
0.996232
=99.8120

mL
g/

Density of water at 28 C
True mass of water transfer( g)

Standard deviation,s

x=

(99.5788+99.7176+ 99.8120)
3

= 99.7028
s2= (99.5788-99.7028)2+ (99.7176-99.7028)2+(99.812099.7028)2/ 3-1
=0.01376
s= 0.01376
= 0.1173

20

Average volume of water

transferred (mL) standard
deviation

99.70280.1173

DISCUSSION
We are required to calibrate volumetric glassware namely volumetric pipette, burette and
volumetric flask in this experiment. Distilled water is the only reagent needed in conducting this
glassware calibration experiment.
First and foremost, the experiment is started with the calibration of volumetric pipette. A
small empty and dried beaker is placed on the analytical balanced and the balanced is tared to
ensure the readings obtained are accurate. The weight of the empty beaker is identified. This step
is very crucial as we have to calculate the apparent mass of distilled water drained into the empty
beaker from the pipette.

Apparent mass of water transferred (g) =

(g) Mass of empty

Mass of beaker with distilled water

beaker (g)

The mass of empty beaker is actually equivalent to the pure mass of beaker with the mass of air
inside the beaker. This is because when we are weighing the mass of beaker, there is also air
inside the beaker. As we are not weighing the empty beaker under vacuum condition, the beaker
must be filled with air.
Therefore, the apparent mass of water transferred can also be expressed in this way:
Apparent mass of water transferred (g) = Mass of water in the beaker (g) Mass
of air displaced (g)

21

The true mass of water transferred (g) could be determined from the apparent mass of water
transferred (g). The apparent mass of water transferred does not include the mass of air
displaced, however the true mass of water is the total of the apparent mass of water transferred
with the mass of air displaced. Therefore, the mass of air displaced must be determined. Given
density of air is 0.0012 g/mL, which means that the mass of air displaced is 0.0012 times of the
volume of water transferred into the beaker.
True mass of water transferred (g) = [0.0012 x apparent mass of water
transferred (g)] + apparent
mass of water transferred (g)

The density
of water is
varies with the temperature. Therefore, the temperature of water is observed in order to
determine the density of water. The temperature of water throughout this experiment is 28.0C.
Thus, the density of water is 0.996232 g/mL.

As
Density (g/mL) =

Mass( g)
Volume (mL)
From the equation above, the actual volume of water transferred could be calculated.
Rearranging the formula, the actual volume of water transferred can be obtained as below:
Actual volume of water transferred (mL) =

True mass of water transferred ( g)

g
Density of water at 28 (
)
mL
In order to get accurate result of the calibration of pipette, the average volume of water
transferred standard deviation must be calculated. Plus and minus of standard deviation
actually give us the spread of data from its mean (Rees, 1985).

Average volume of water transferred (mL) standard deviation

T 1+ T 2+T 3
=(
3

x x

T1 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 1

22
T2 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 2
T3 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 3

The average volume of water transferred from the pipette is 19.9384 0.02783 mL.

In the calibration of burette, burettes of 5mL, 10mL, 15 mL, 20mL, and 25mL are calibrated.
First and foremost, the temperature of water is recorded in order to determine the density of
water. Temperature recorded is 28C , and the density of water at this temperature is 0.996232
g/mL. Erlenmeyer flask is weighed before 5mL of distilled water is drained into it. The
Erlenmeyer flask is weighed again and the apparent mass of water could be calculated using the
formula:

Apparent
in the Erlenmeyer
flask
Apparentmass
massof
ofwater
watertransferred
transferred(g)
(g)==Mass
Massof
ofwater
Erlenmeyer
flask with distilled
(g) Mass of air displaced
(g)
water (g) Mass of empty Erlenmeyer flask (g)

From the apparent mass of water transferred, true mass of water could be calculated using the
formula:
The actual volume of water transferred could also be calculated from the formula:
True mass of water transferred (g) = [0.0012 x apparent mass of water
transferred (g)] + apparent
mass of water transferred (g)

Nominal volume of water transferred is the difference of final reading of burette and the initial
True mass of water transferred (g)
g
Actual volume Correction
of water transferred
= (mL)
Density
of water
at 28of( water
) transferred (mL)
of nominal(mL)
volume
= Actual
volume
mL
reading
of
burette.
Formula to
calculate the
correction of
nominal
volume is as
follow:

Nominal volume of water transferred (mL)

23

In order to get accurate result of the calibration of burette, the average volume of water
transferred standard deviation must be calculated. The formula is:

Average volume of water transferred (mL) standard deviation

=(

T 1+ T 2+T 3
)
3

x x

T1 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 1

T2 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 2
T3 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 3

The same steps are repeated for calibration of burette of 10mL, 15mL, 20mL, and 25mL .
For the calibration of volumetric flask, the water temperature is recorded to determine the
density. The temperature of water is 28C and the density is 0.996232 g/mL . The volumetric
flask with stopper is weighed before water is added to the mark. The volumetric flask is weighed
again. Apparent mass of water is calculated using the formula:

Apparent mass of water transferred (g) = Mass of volumetric flask with distilled
water (g) Mass of empty volumetric flask (g)

Therefore, the true mass of water can be calculated using the formula:

True mass of water transferred (g) = [0.0012 x apparent mass of water

transferred (g)] + apparent
mass of water transferred (g)

24

The actual volume of water transferred is calculated using the formula:

Actual volume of water transferred (mL) =

True mass of water transferred (g)

g
Density of water at 28 (
)
mL

In order to get accurate result of the calibration of volumetric flask, the average volume of water
transferred standard deviation must be calculated. The formula is:

Average volume of water transferred (mL) standard deviation

=(

T 1+ T 2+T 3
3

x x

T1 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 1

T2 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 2
T3 = Actual volume of water transferred for Trial 3

Throughout the experiment, there might be some factors which may affect the accuracy
of results. Parallax error may occurred when taking the reading on the burette and observing the
water level in the pipette and volumetric flask. To avoid the parallax error, the eyes must be
perpendicular to the scale on the volumetric glassware when taking the reading. Other than that,
the volumetric glassware might not be fully dried during weighing. This might causes the mass
of empty volumetric glassware to be inaccurate as there are some water droplets inside the
glassware. Furthermore, the burette is left for 5 minutes to make sure the volume of distilled
water inside remains constant. If not, the stopcock must be tighten and the procedure is repeated.
When weighing the mass of volumetric glassware using analytical balance, the enclosure of
balance must be close immediately to ensure accurate mass is obtained. Make sure the stopper of
volumetric flask is weighed together with it.

25

CONCLUSION
Throughout this experiment, the pipette, burette and volumetric flask are considered
accurate and precise. The pipette had a mean of 19.9384 and a standard deviation of 0.02783.
While for the burette, we had transferred 5mL, 10mL, 15mL, 20mL and 25mL distilled water
26

from the burette to the Erlenmeyer flask. The average volume and standard deviation are
5.17310.2260, 10.15350.1319, 15.10420.08608, 20.22540.1774 and 25.23430.04205
respectively. For the volumetric flask, it had a mean of 99.7028 and a standard deviation of
0.1173.

POST-LAB QUESTION
1. Pipettes are used to transfer liquid sample and they are rinsed with a small amount
of the sample after transfer. Calculate the % error that will be produced with

27

pipette of 1 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL if each pipette retains 5 drops of water after use.
Assuming the volume of one drop of water is 0.05 mL.
Volume of water retains in the pipette = 0.05mL 5
= 0.25mL
Therefore, the will be always less than 0.25mL of water not be transferred for every used.
% error =

Experimental valuetheoretical value

100
Theoretical value

Experimental value: Theoretical value - Volume of water retains in the pipette (0.25mL)
Volume of Pipette used (mL)

% error=
Experimental valuetheoretical value
100
Theoretical value
%

( 10.25 )1
100
1

= -25%

( 50.25 ) 5
100
5

= -5%

10

( 100.25 ) 10
100
10

28

= -2.5%

2. It is important to ensure that no air bubbles are captured at the stopcock of the
burette when the initial reading is recorded. If 0.5 mL of air bubbles is present in the
burette, what is the % error that will be generated in 10 mL, 20mL and 40 mL of
sample when the air bubbles are released?
When there is 0.5mL air bubble present in the burette, the actual volume titrated will be
always 0.5mL less than the theoretical volume
Experimental valuetheoretical value
100
% error =
Theoretical value
Experimental value: Theoretical value - Volume of air bubbles (0.5mL)
Volume of sample (mL)

% error=
Experimental valuetheoretical value
100
Theoretical value
%

10

( 100.5 ) 10
100
10

= -5%

20

( 200.5 ) 20
100
20

= -2.5%

40

( 400.5 )40
100
40

= -1.25%

29

REFERENCE
Macaulay, D. B., Bauer, J. M., & Bloomfield, M. M. (2011). General, organic, and
biological chemistry: An integrated approach (2nd ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.

Price, N. (2016). What is pipette? Retrieved from http://m.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-pipette.htm

Volumetric glass calibration. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.titrations.info/volumetric-glasscalibration

What is a burette used for? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reference.com/science/buretteused-b2bc616b7781725d

What is the function of a volumetric flask? (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.reference.com/science/function-volumetric-flask-3405e8f37f458eb4

30

APPENDIX

31

32

33

34

35