End Point of Acid-Base Titration Determined by Electrical Conductivity
Description: Barium hydroxide is titrated with sulfuric acid while the conductivity of the mixture is monitored. At the equivalence point, the solution is nonconductive, and the light goes out.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1989 Vol: 3 Page: 152
Keywords: Conductivity, Titration, Precipitate, Barium hydroxide, Indicators
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, inhalation
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Electrocution hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Corrosive to metals
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging to audience
- Profound connection to course material
- Experiment challenges preconceived concepts
- Obvious contrast between system behavior
- Time to results is medium
- Good reliability
Difficulty: High
- Procedures with varying results depending on amount of reaction or addition
- Demos that require training or extended practice to perform correctly and safely
- Use of scientific instruments
- Some careful and precise manipulations required
- Use of live electrodes
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Spill kit on hand
- Perform on chemically resistant surface
- Avoid exposure to mists, dusts, or vapors
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Acid-Base Reactions, Titrations, Precipitation Reactions, Properties of Solutions
Division: General, Analytical Chemistry
Return to General Chemistry Demonstrations