Conductometric titration is spelled /kənˌdʌktəˈmɛtrɪk taɪˈtreɪʃən/. This method of chemical analysis measures the changes in conductivity of a solution as a titrant is added to determine the concentration of an analyte. The word conductometric is pronounced /ˌkɒndʌktoʊˈmɛtrɪk/ and refers to the measurement of electrical conductivity. Titration, pronounced /taɪˈtreɪʃən/, is the process of adding a titrant gradually to a solution to react with a known quantity of an analyte until the reaction is complete. Conductometric titration is an important technique used in chemical research and analysis.
Conductometric titration refers to a quantitative analytical technique used to determine the concentration of a solution by measuring its electrical conductivity. It is based on the principle that the conductivity of a solution changes with the concentration of ions it contains. This titration method involves adding a titrant solution to an analyte solution and monitoring the changes in electrical conductivity as the reaction progresses.
The process involves the use of two electrodes, a reference electrode and a conductivity electrode, immersed in the solution being analyzed. The reference electrode maintains the stability of the potential, while the conductivity electrode measures the electrical conductivity. Initially, the conductivity of the analyte solution is measured, establishing a baseline for comparison. As the titrant is gradually added, it reacts with the analyte, causing a change in conductivity. The endpoint of the titration is determined when there is a significant and consistent change in conductivity, indicating that the desired reaction has been completed.
Conductometric titration is commonly employed in acid-base and redox reactions, where the analyte and titrant solutions are selected accordingly. It is particularly useful when the reaction between the analyte and titrant does not involve a visible color change or a precipitate formation. This technique offers high accuracy and precision in analyzing solutions and can be automated using titrators to enhance repeatability and minimize human error.
The word "conductometric" is derived from "conductance" and "metric". "Conductance" refers to the ability of an electrical conductor to conduct an electric current, while "metric" indicates a measurement or a method for measurement. Therefore, "conductometric" signifies a technique that involves measuring conductance.
The word "titration" originates from the Latin word "titulus", meaning title or inscription. In analytical chemistry, titration refers to the process of determining the concentration of a substance in a solution by reacting it with a known concentration of another substance. The reaction between the two substances is usually indicated by a sign or a change in color, hence the connection to "titulus".
Therefore, when combined, "conductometric titration" refers to a method of analysis that determines the concentration of a substance in a solution by measuring changes in conductance during a titration process.