Titration curve

Definition

A titration curve is a graph of the pH of a solution as a function of the volume of titrant added during an acid-base titration. It helps illustrate the point at which neutralization occurs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The equivalence point on a titration curve is where the amount of acid equals the amount of base during the titration.
2. A titration curve typically has distinct regions: buffer region, steep rise or fall, and equivalence point.
3. The initial pH on a titration curve depends on whether you start with an acid or base.
4. For strong acid-strong base titrations, the pH changes very rapidly near the equivalence point.
5. In weak acid-strong base or weak base-strong acid titrations, there are buffer regions that resist changes in pH before reaching equivalence.

Review Questions

• What does the equivalence point on a titration curve represent?
• How does the shape of a titration curve differ between strong acid-strong base and weak acid-strong base titrations?
• What factors influence the initial pH in a titration?

Related terms

Equivalence Point: The stage in a titration where the number of moles of hydrogen ions equals the number of moles of hydroxide ions.

Buffer Region: A part of the titration curve where pH changes gradually due to buffering action from weak acids and their conjugate bases or vice versa.

Indicator: A chemical that changes color at (or near) the equivalence point to signal that enough titrant has been added.