Gravimetric Analysis of an

Unknown Solution
Kip Chapman, Tino Deemer,
and Russ Yount
Period 5
Due 5-17-17

Abstract
 In this lab gravimetric techniques will be used to analyze an unknown sodium
phosphate solution.

Discussion
Gravimetric analysis is a technique through which an aqueous substance’s yield
can be determined through mass. It is applied to this lab by using this technique to
determine the yield of a precipitate between sodium phosphate and calcium chloride.
Chemical reactions apply to this lab through the reactions between calcium
chloride and sodium phosphate to form a precipitate. In order to find the mass of this
precipitate, stoichiometry, percent yield, and limiting reaction calculations must be
utilised.
Sources: Holt Modern Chemistry

Objectives
In this lab, you will…
1. Use gravimetric techniques to determine the concentration of an unknown
sodium phosphate solution.
2. Determine a percent yield for a precipitate.

Materials
● Unknown sodium phosphate solution
● 0.150 M calcium chloride solution
● Watch Glass
● Rubber Policeman
● Glass Funnel
● Ring Stand
● Small Iron Ring
● Filter Paper
● Analytical Balance
● 10 mL Graduated Cylinder
● 100 mL Beaker
● Distilled Water
● 150 mL Beaker

Safety
● Wear safety goggles at all times.
● Handle all chemicals with care.

Procedure
 1. Measure 10.0 mL of the unknown sodium phosphate solution in a 10 mL
graduated cylinder.
2. Place 10.0 mL of calcium chloride into a 100.0 mL beaker with the 10.0 mL of
unknown sodium phosphate solution.
3. Add more calcium chloride until all of the unknown solution has reacted.
4. Find the mass of the filter paper on an analytical balance; place and dampen with
distilled water in a glass funnel and pour in all of the solution to save precipitate.
➢ The set-up should consist of an iron ring stand with a glass funnel. Under the
funnel should be a 150.0 mL beaker and in the funnel should be dampened filter
paper.
5. Use distilled water and a rubber policeman to remove all precipitate from the
beaker.
6. Place filter paper and precipitate on a watch glass; put it in the oven to dry
overnight.
7. Remove from the oven, let cool, and measure the mass.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 twice; for a total of three trials.

Cleanup
● Discard the product in the regular trash.
● Clean, dry, and return all equipment used in the lab.

Data
Mass of Filter Paper Throughout Trials
Before Filtration (g) After Filtration (g)

Trial 1 0.9349 1.2220

Trial 2 0.9466 1.2472

Trial 3 0.9565 1.2631

Analysis/Calculations/Error
Mass of Precipitate (Trial 1)
(mass of f.p. + ppt) - (mass of f.p.) Commented [1]: is it okay to leave these abbreviated?
1.2220 g - 0.9349 g = 0.2871 g Ca3(PO4)2

Average Mass of Precipitate

0.2871 g + 0.3006 g + 0.3072 g = .8949 g/ 3 = 0.2983 g Ca3(PO4)2

Analysis/Calculations/Error (Continued)
Mass of Na3PO4 in unknown solution (Trial 1)
 0.2871 g Ca3(PO4)2 1 mol Ca3(PO4)2 2 mol Na3PO4 163.9407 g Na3PO4

310.177 g Ca3(PO4)2 1 mol Ca3(PO4)2 1 mol Na3PO4

= 0.3035 g Na3PO4
Xt : 0.4000 g Na3PO4

Average Mass of Na3PO4 in Unknown Solution

0.3035 g + 0.3178 g + 0.3247 g = 0.9460 g / 3 = 0.3153 g Na3PO4

Theoretical Yield of Precipitate

0.400 g Na3PO4 1 mol Na3PO4 1 mol Ca3(PO4)2 310.177 g Ca3(PO4)2

163.9407 g Na3PO4 2 mol Na3PO4 1 mol Ca3(PO4)2

= 0.3784 g Ca3(PO4)2

Average Percent Yield

Avg. % Yield = avg. mass of ppt / theoretical yield x 100% = 0.2983 g / 0.3784 g x 100%
= 78.83%

Error Calculations
Eₐ = |xe - xt|
Eₐ = |0.2983 g - 0.4000 g|
Eₐ = 0.1017 g Na3PO4

E% = Ea / xt · 100%
E% = 0.1017 g / 0.4000 g · 100%
E% = 25.43%

Conclusion
After completing this lab we found that our average percent yield of the
precipitate was 78.83%. Our absolute error was 0.1017g Na3Po4 and our percent error
was 25.43%.
An error that would’ve thrown off our data would be our measuring of the
substances. This would be an observational random error which would have caused our
data to fluctuate up or down depending on the person measuring.
Conclusion (Continued)
Overall we were pleased with the results, in order to improve them we would
want to do more trials in order to get a more accurate reading of the data. This lab
taught us how to use the technique of gravimetric analysis. Gravimetric analysis can be
used in a number of real-life situations, like in the chemical analysis of ores and other
industrial materials.

End of Report